1985 Opel Rekord vs. 1986 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1986 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Opel Rekord (90 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Opel Rekord weights approximately 89 kg more than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Opel Rekord. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1985 Opel Rekord (143 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Opel Rekord | 1986 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rekord | Passat |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1026 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2560 mm |
