1984 Opel Rekord vs. 1988 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volkswagen Passat (90 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1984 Opel Rekord. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1984 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 15 kg more than 1984 Opel Rekord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Opel Rekord. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1984 Opel Rekord (143 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (142 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Opel Rekord | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rekord | Passat |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2630 mm |
