2004 Ford Focus vs. 1978 Opel Rekord
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 26 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, 2004 Ford Focus (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (64 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 3 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.
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, 2004 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, 2004 Ford Focus (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (126 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord. 2004 Ford Focus 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. 2004 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 1978 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Focus | Rekord |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1298 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 65 L |
