1997 Buick Century vs. 1983 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1997 Buick Century is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Century (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1983 Opel Rekord. (85 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1983 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 285 kg more than 1983 Opel Rekord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 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 1983 Opel Rekord. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century, 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, 1997 Buick Century (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Opel Rekord. (193 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Opel Rekord. 1997 Buick Century has automatic transmission and 1983 Opel Rekord has manual transmission. 1983 Opel Rekord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Buick Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 1983 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | Century | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 2258 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2680 mm |
