1981 Mercury Lynx vs. 1973 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1981 Mercury Lynx is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 1,698 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mercury Lynx (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1973 Opel Rekord. (66 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Lynx should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Opel Rekord weights approximately 115 kg more than 1981 Mercury Lynx.
Because 1973 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 1973 Opel Rekord. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Lynx, 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, 1981 Mercury Lynx (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Rekord. (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Lynx will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Lynx | 1973 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Lynx | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2680 mm |
