1983 Ford Escort vs. 1986 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1986 Opel Rekord is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Opel Rekord (89 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1983 Ford Escort. (51 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Opel Rekord weights approximately 65 kg more than 1983 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 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 1986 Opel Rekord. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 1986 Opel Rekord (146 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Escort. (111 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1986 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Escort | 1986 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2680 mm |
