1981 Honda Ballade vs. 1983 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1983 Opel Rekord is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Opel Rekord (90 HP) has 23 more horse power than 1981 Honda Ballade. (67 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Opel Rekord weights approximately 330 kg more than 1981 Honda Ballade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 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 1983 Opel Rekord. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Honda Ballade, 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, 1983 Opel Rekord (146 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Ballade. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Ballade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Ballade | 1983 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Honda | Opel |
| Model | Ballade | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1334 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 90 HP |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2680 mm |
