1985 Ford Escort vs. 1971 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1985 Ford Escort is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 1,698 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Escort (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1971 Opel Rekord. (66 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ford Escort weights approximately 15 kg more than 1971 Opel Rekord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Opel Rekord. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1985 Ford Escort (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Rekord. (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Escort | 1971 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2680 mm |
