1986 Opel Rekord vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1986 Opel Rekord. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1986 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 95 kg more than 1986 Opel Rekord. 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Opel Rekord. (182 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Opel Rekord | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rekord | Golf |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1306 kg | 1401 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
