1998 Ford Contour vs. 1965 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1965 Opel Rekord. (90 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1965 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 381 kg more than 1965 Opel Rekord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 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 1965 Opel Rekord. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour, 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, 1998 Ford Contour (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Opel Rekord. (146 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 1965 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Contour | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
