1996 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1986 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (343 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1986 Opel Rekord. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1986 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 370 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 Mercedes-Benz E (480 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 298 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Opel Rekord. (182 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | 1986 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | E | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 343 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 77.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 181 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1676 kg | 1306 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 65 L |
