1978 Opel Rekord vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf 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 1,689 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Rekord (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 109 kg more than 1978 Opel Rekord.
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 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1978 Opel Rekord (142 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Rekord | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rekord | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1689 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| 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 | 1213 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
