1988 Buick Electra vs. 1978 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1988 Buick Electra 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Electra (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (64 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Electra weights approximately 320 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.
Because 1978 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 1978 Opel Rekord. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra, 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, 1988 Buick Electra (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (126 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord. 1988 Buick Electra 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 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Electra | 1978 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | Electra | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2690 mm |
