1978 Opel Rekord vs. 1998 Rover 400
To start off, 1998 Rover 400 is newer by 20 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 1,689 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Rover 400 (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Rover 400 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Rover 400 weights approximately 16 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.
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, 1998 Rover 400, 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, 1998 Rover 400 (182 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (142 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 Rover 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Rekord | 1998 Rover 400 | |
| Make | Opel | Rover |
| Model | Rekord | 400 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1689 cc | 1394 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2630 mm |
