1986 Opel Rekord vs. 1984 Austin Ambassador
To start off, 1986 Opel Rekord is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Austin Ambassador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Austin Ambassador 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 31 more horse power than 1984 Austin Ambassador. (83 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 1984 Austin Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Opel Rekord weights approximately 101 kg more than 1984 Austin Ambassador. 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, 1984 Austin Ambassador, 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 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Austin Ambassador. (131 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Austin Ambassador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Opel Rekord | 1984 Austin Ambassador | |
| Make | Opel | Austin |
| Model | Rekord | Ambassador |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 1697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1306 kg | 1205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2680 mm |
