1982 Ford Escort vs. 1978 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1982 Ford Escort is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ford Escort (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (64 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Rekord weights approximately 305 kg more than 1982 Ford Escort.
Because 1978 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 1978 Opel Rekord. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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, 1978 Opel Rekord (126 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Escort | 1978 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2690 mm |
