1986 Mercedes-Benz 200 vs. 1978 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 200 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 200 (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (64 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 200 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 200 weights approximately 165 kg more than 1978 Opel Rekord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mercedes-Benz 200 (173 Nm) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (126 Nm). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz 200 | 1978 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | 200 | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2670 mm |
