1988 Mazda 626 vs. 1985 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1988 Mazda 626 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Opel Rekord (90 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1988 Mazda 626. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 1988 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mazda 626 weights approximately 7 kg more than 1985 Opel Rekord.
Because 1985 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 1985 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, 1985 Opel Rekord (143 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mazda 626. (134 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1985 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mazda 626 | 1985 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | 626 | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1789 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1122 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2680 mm |
