1988 BMW 535 vs. 1978 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1988 BMW 535 is newer by 10 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 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 535 (211 HP) has 111 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (100 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 510 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, 1988 BMW 535 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord. 1988 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 1978 Opel Rekord has manual transmission. 1978 Opel Rekord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 1978 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 535 | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 100 HP |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
