1978 Opel Rekord vs. 1988 Volvo 740
To start off, 1988 Volvo 740 is newer by 10 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, 1988 Volvo 740 (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (64 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 740 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volvo 740 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1978 Opel Rekord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1988 Volvo 740 (239 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (126 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Volvo 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Rekord | 1988 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | Opel | Volvo |
| Model | Rekord | 740 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1988 |
| 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 | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 239 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2780 mm |
