1996 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1978 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C 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 1,978 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C (120 HP) has 20 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (100 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 290 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.
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 Mercedes-Benz C (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | 1978 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | C | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 1978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 100 HP |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.3 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 65 L |
