2002 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 1978 Opel Rekord
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 24 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, 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier (121 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (64 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Rekord weights approximately 80 kg more than 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier.
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, 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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, 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier (176 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (126 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier | 1978 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Opel |
| Model | Cavalier | Rekord |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2190 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 121 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 65 L |
