1978 Opel Rekord vs. 2009 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 31 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP) has 100 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (100 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 110 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, 2009 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord. 2009 Volkswagen Passat 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. 2009 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Rekord | 2009 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rekord | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1978 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
