2006 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1978 Opel Rekord
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (64 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 440 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 384 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (126 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord. 2006 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz E | 1978 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | E | Rekord |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2987 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
