1978 Opel Rekord vs. 1999 Volvo S80
To start off, 1999 Volvo S80 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 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 1999 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volvo S80 (138 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (64 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volvo S80 weights approximately 235 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, 1999 Volvo S80, 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 Volvo S80 (220 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (126 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1999 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Rekord | 1999 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Opel | Volvo |
| Model | Rekord | S80 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
