1988 Mazda 626 vs. 1974 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1988 Mazda 626 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 1,789 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Mazda 626 (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1974 Opel Rekord. (66 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1974 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mazda 626 weights approximately 57 kg more than 1974 Opel Rekord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Opel Rekord. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Mazda 626, 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 Mazda 626 (134 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Opel Rekord. (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mazda 626 | 1974 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | 626 | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1789 cc | 1698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1122 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2680 mm |
