1981 BMW 518 vs. 1966 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1981 BMW 518 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 518 (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1966 Opel Rekord. (59 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 1966 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 518 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1966 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, 1981 BMW 518 (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Opel Rekord. (118 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 1966 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 518 | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1696 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2640 mm |
