2009 Honda Civic vs. 1974 Opel Rekord
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1974 Opel Rekord. (66 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1974 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 64 kg more than 1974 Opel Rekord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Opel Rekord. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic, 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, 2009 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Opel Rekord. (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Opel Rekord. 2009 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1974 Opel Rekord has manual transmission. 1974 Opel Rekord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1974 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Honda | Opel |
| Model | Civic | Rekord |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
