2003 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1978 Opel Rekord
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 25 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (469 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 405 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (64 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 580 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 334 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (126 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1978 Opel Rekord has manual transmission. 1978 Opel Rekord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | 1978 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | E | Rekord |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 469 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 65 L |
