1996 BMW M3 vs. 1986 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1986 Opel Rekord. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 174 kg more than 1986 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, 1996 BMW M3 (320 Nm) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Opel Rekord. (182 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Opel Rekord. 1986 Opel Rekord has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Opel Rekord will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1986 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | M3 | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 181 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1306 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
