1988 Ford Taurus vs. 1968 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1988 Ford Taurus is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 2,985 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Taurus (220 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1968 Opel Rekord. (59 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1968 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Taurus weights approximately 475 kg more than 1968 Opel Rekord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 Opel Rekord. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Ford Taurus, 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 Ford Taurus (271 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Opel Rekord. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Taurus | 1968 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Taurus | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2985 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
