1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 1978 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1996 Dodge Caravan is newer by 18 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 2,497 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Caravan (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (64 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 410 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, 1996 Dodge Caravan, 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, 1996 Dodge Caravan (262 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (126 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 1978 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Dodge | Opel |
| Model | Caravan | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2670 mm |
