1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1986 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1986 Opel Rekord is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,745 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1986 Opel Rekord. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1986 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 445 kg more than 1986 Opel Rekord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Opel Rekord. (146 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Opel Rekord. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1986 Opel Rekord has manual transmission. 1986 Opel Rekord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1986 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | 280 | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2680 mm |
