1978 Opel Rekord vs. 2012 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 34 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 6 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. (84 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Rekord weights approximately 34 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Polo, 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 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. (132 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Rekord | 2012 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rekord | Polo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1689 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2470 mm |
