1994 Chevrolet Lumina vs. 1978 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1994 Chevrolet Lumina is newer by 16 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 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Chevrolet Lumina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Chevrolet Lumina (138 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Chevrolet Lumina should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Chevrolet Lumina weights approximately 311 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, 1994 Chevrolet Lumina, 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, 1994 Chevrolet Lumina (238 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (142 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1994 Chevrolet Lumina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord. 1994 Chevrolet Lumina 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. 1994 Chevrolet Lumina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Chevrolet Lumina | 1978 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Opel |
| Model | Lumina | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1689 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2680 mm |
