1986 Ford Escort vs. 1973 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 1,751 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Opel Rekord (66 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Opel Rekord weights approximately 155 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Opel Rekord. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1973 Opel Rekord (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1973 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1973 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 1697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2680 mm |
