1978 Opel Rekord vs. 2008 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2008 Smart ForTwo is newer by 30 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, 2008 Smart ForTwo (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Smart ForTwo (190 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (142 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord. 2008 Smart ForTwo 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. 2008 Smart ForTwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Rekord | 2008 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Opel | Smart |
| Model | Rekord | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1689 cc | 999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 2730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 1870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 52 L |
