2009 BMW M3 vs. 1978 Opel Rekord
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 31 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP) has 314 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (100 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 265 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, 2009 BMW M3 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1978 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | M3 | Rekord |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 100 HP |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
