2006 Fiat Panda vs. 1978 Opel Rekord
To start off, 2006 Fiat Panda is newer by 28 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, 2006 Fiat Panda (70 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (64 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Fiat Panda should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Rekord weights approximately 320 kg more than 2006 Fiat Panda.
Because 2006 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Opel Rekord. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Fiat Panda will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Fiat Panda (197 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (126 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord. 2006 Fiat Panda 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. 2006 Fiat Panda will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Fiat Panda | 1978 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | Panda | Rekord |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 935 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 65 L |
