1992 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1971 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL (231 HP) has 172 more horse power than 1971 Opel Rekord. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 590 kg more than 1971 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, 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL (268 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Rekord. (120 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1971 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | SL | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 2068 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 231 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 268 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.5 mm | 86.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2680 mm |
