1978 Opel Rekord vs. 1979 Saab 900
To start off, 1979 Saab 900 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Saab 900 (143 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (64 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Rekord weights approximately 5 kg more than 1979 Saab 900.
Because 1978 Opel Rekord is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Opel Rekord. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Saab 900, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1979 Saab 900 (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (126 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Saab 900 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Rekord | 1979 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Opel | Saab |
| Model | Rekord | 900 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2530 mm |
