1980 Ford Escort vs. 1971 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1980 Ford Escort is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 1,698 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ford Escort (79 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1971 Opel Rekord. (66 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Opel Rekord weights approximately 200 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort.
Because 1971 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 1971 Opel Rekord. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort, 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, 1980 Ford Escort (126 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Rekord. (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1980 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1971 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2680 mm |
