1998 Ford Focus vs. 1978 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 20 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 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (64 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Rekord weights approximately 11 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus.
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, 1998 Ford Focus, 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 Focus (170 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (126 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 1978 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Focus | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.4:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1244 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L |
