1978 Opel Rekord vs. 1999 Suzuki Baleno
To start off, 1999 Suzuki Baleno is newer by 21 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, 1999 Suzuki Baleno (67 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (64 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Suzuki Baleno should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Rekord weights approximately 210 kg more than 1999 Suzuki Baleno.
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, 1999 Suzuki Baleno, 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, 1999 Suzuki Baleno (178 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (126 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1999 Suzuki Baleno will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord. 1999 Suzuki Baleno has automatic transmission and 1978 Opel Rekord has manual transmission. 1978 Opel Rekord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Suzuki Baleno will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Rekord | 1999 Suzuki Baleno | |
| Make | Opel | Suzuki |
| Model | Rekord | Baleno |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 45 L |
