1978 Opel Rekord vs. 2002 Volvo S60
To start off, 2002 Volvo S60 is newer by 24 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 2,401 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Volvo S60 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volvo S60 (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (64 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volvo S60 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volvo S60 weights approximately 175 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, 2002 Volvo S60, 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, 2002 Volvo S60 (285 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (126 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 Volvo S60 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord. 2002 Volvo S60 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. 2002 Volvo S60 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Rekord | 2002 Volvo S60 | |
| Make | Opel | Volvo |
| Model | Rekord | S60 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 2401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
