2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1978 Opel Rekord
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (64 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Rekord weights approximately 140 kg more than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (126 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1978 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Rekord |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
