1999 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1978 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 21 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz E (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (64 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 240 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz E (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (126 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz E | 1978 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | E | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2670 mm |
