1986 Opel Rekord vs. 1979 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1986 Opel Rekord is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Opel Rekord (114 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1979 Opel Kadett. (90 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 1979 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Opel Rekord weights approximately 336 kg more than 1979 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 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 1986 Opel Rekord. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Opel Kadett, 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, 1986 Opel Rekord (182 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Opel Kadett. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1986 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Opel Kadett. 1986 Opel Rekord has automatic transmission and 1979 Opel Kadett has manual transmission. 1979 Opel Kadett will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Opel Rekord will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Opel Rekord | 1979 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Opel | Opel |
| Model | Rekord | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 181 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1306 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 42 L |
