2008 Dodge Caliber vs. 1978 Opel Rekord
To start off, 2008 Dodge Caliber is newer by 30 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, 2008 Dodge Caliber (154 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (64 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 170 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, 2008 Dodge Caliber, 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, 2008 Dodge Caliber (190 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (126 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord. 2008 Dodge Caliber 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. 2008 Dodge Caliber will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Caliber | 1978 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Dodge | Opel |
| Model | Caliber | Rekord |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 65 L |
