Opel Rekord

Opel Rekord: which version to buy and why

If you are choosing an Opel Rekord rather than reading a history of the name, the numbers in this catalogue already rank the cars. Across five generations (1963–1986) the listed peak is 115 hp and 180 km/h on 5 generation 2.2 MT; the listed floor is 54 hp on 1 generation 1.5 MT, or 26.0 s to 100 km/h on 4 generation 1.7 MT (60 hp). Every listed car is RWD.

If you are choosing an Opel Rekord rather than reading a history of the name, the numbers in this catalogue already rank the cars. Across five generations (1963–1986) the listed peak is 115 hp and 180 km/h on 5 generation 2.2 MT; the listed floor is 54 hp on 1 generation 1.5 MT, or 26.0 s to 100 km/h on 4 generation 1.7 MT (60 hp). Every listed car is RWD. Fuel use, kerb weight, gross weight, tank size and wheel sizes are not measured on every listed version, so this guide does not invent mpg or kg/hp. What the extra displacement, extra gears or an Automatic actually buy is read from horsepower, newton-metres, 0–100 and top speed where those figures exist.

5 generation is listed as Sedan (1977–1986), 4 generation as Coupe (1972–1977), 3 generation as Sedan (1967–1971), 2 generation as Coupe (1965–1966), 1 generation as Cabrio (1963–1965). The database counts 31 versions for 5 generation and 16 for 4 generation; this article names every version that is actually listed (12 + 12 + 6 + 6 + 5). Same catalogue names with different outputs are kept apart by horsepower.

Generations: what changed in the numbers

The generation step that moves ride height is 4 generation → 5 generation: clearance goes from 140 mm to 158 mm (+18 mm). Body type in the listing also changes: Coupe to Sedan. The only Diesel in the listed set is 4 generation 2.0 MT (58 hp). The only Automatic boxes are three 5 generation cars, all 3-speed. The only 5-speed manuals are two 5 generation 2.0 MT cars (100 hp and 110 hp). Inline 6 cylinders appear only on 3 generation 2.2 MT (94 hp), 2 generation 2.6 MT (99 hp) and 1 generation 2.6 MT (99 hp). Boost is No wherever it is measured; on 1 generation boost is not measured.

If you want a timed 0–100, you are choosing inside 5 generation or 4 generation. For 3 generation, 2 generation and 1 generation, 0–100, top speed, consumption and weight are not measured — the buy decision there is horsepower, displacement, cylinder count and gearbox step count only.

Specs: every listed version

Fuel on measured gasoline cars is 92. Layout is Inline. Drive is RWD. Front brakes, where listed, are Disc; rear brakes are not measured. Front suspension on 5 generation is Independent, spring; rear is not measured. Engine position is Front, longitudinal where listed, otherwise not measured.

5 generation (1977–1986), Sedan

Compression: 1.7 MT 8.0; 1.8 MT 75 hp 8.2; 1.8 MT / 1.8 AT 90 hp 10.0; 1.8 MT 100 hp 8.9; 1.9 MT 7.9; 2.0 MT 90 hp 8.0; 2.0 MT / 2.0 AT 100 hp not measured; 2.0 MT / 2.0 AT 110 hp 9.4; 2.2 MT 9.4.

4 generation (1972–1977), Coupe

Diesel compression is 22; gasoline 1.7 MT 60 hp is 8, 1.9 MT 90 hp is 8.8. Several 4 generation names repeat with identical listed figures; treat duplicate rows as the same spec card, not as extra power.

3 generation (1967–1971), Sedan — all Gasoline, Carburetor, Front, longitudinal, boost No, RWD; 0–100, top speed, clearance not measured

• 1.5 MT (58 hp / 43 kW), 1492 cc, 4 Inline, Manual 3
• 1.7 MT (66 hp / 49 kW), 1698 cc, 4 Inline, Manual 3
• 1.7 MT (75 hp / 55 kW), 1698 cc, 4 Inline, Manual 3
• 1.9 MT (106 hp / 78 kW), 1897 cc, 4 Inline, Manual 4 — listed twice with the same figures
• 2.2 MT (94 hp / 70 kW), 2239 cc, 6 Inline, Manual 4

2 generation (1965–1966), Coupe — Gasoline, Carburetor, Front, longitudinal, boost No, Manual 4, RWD; 0–100, top speed, clearance not measured

• 1.5 MT (59 hp / 44 kW), 1492 cc, 4 Inline
• 1.7 MT (74 hp / 55 kW), 1698 cc, 4 Inline — listed twice
• 1.9 MT (89 hp / 66 kW), 1897 cc, 4 Inline — listed twice
• 2.6 MT (99 hp / 74 kW), 2605 cc, 6 Inline

1 generation (1963–1965), Cabrio — Gasoline, Front, longitudinal, Manual 4, RWD; boost, fuel system, 0–100, top speed, clearance not measured

• 1.5 MT (54 hp / 40 kW), 1488 cc, 4 Inline
• 1.7 MT (66 hp / 49 kW), 1680 cc, 4 Inline — listed twice
• 2.6 MT (99 hp / 74 kW), 2605 cc, 6 Inline — listed twice

Engine: power per litre and what extra cc buys

Specific output (hp ÷ litres) on listed cars:

• Highest among timed 5 generation cars: 1.8 MT (100 hp) at 55.7 hp/L, then 2.0 MT (110 hp) at 55.6 hp/L.
• Highest in the whole listed set: 3 generation 1.9 MT (106 hp) at 55.9 hp/L (1897 cc).
• 4 generation 1.9 MT (105 hp): 55.3 hp/L.
• Lowest gasoline in 5 generation: 1.7 MT (60 hp) at 35.3 hp/L.
• Lowest overall: 4 generation 2.0 MT Diesel at 29.2 hp/L.
• Inline 6 cars are not the dense ones: 2.2 MT (94 hp) is 42.0 hp/L; 2.6 MT (99 hp) is 38.0 hp/L.

On 5 generation, stepping 1.7 MT (60 hp) → 1.8 MT (75 hp) is +98 cc, +15 hp (+25%), +20 Nm, −4.0 s to 100 km/h (21.5 → 17.5), +11 km/h (143 → 154). Staying at 1796 cc and going 1.8 MT 75 hp → 1.8 MT 90 hp is +15 hp (+20%), +16 Nm, compression 8.2 → 10.0, −2.5 s (17.5 → 15.0), +6 km/h (154 → 160). The 1.8 MT (100 hp) is still 1796 cc but Central injection (single-point or single- point) instead of Carburetor: +10 hp versus the 90 hp carb 1.8 MT, yet torque falls 148 → 137 Nm (−11 Nm). You still gain −1.0 s (15.0 → 14.0) and +7 km/h (160 → 167). Injection here buys peak power, not peak torque.

1.9 MT (75 hp) versus 1.8 MT (75 hp) on 5 generation: same 75 hp and 132 Nm, but 1900 vs 1796 cc, 17.5 s in both cases, top speed 147 vs 154 km/h (−7 km/h on the larger engine), compression 7.9 vs 8.2. Extra 104 cc does not buy a faster sedan on these figures.

2.0 MT (90 hp) versus 1.8 MT (90 hp): same 90 hp, torque 142 vs 148 Nm (−6 Nm on the 2.0), 15.0 s both, top speed 157 vs 160 km/h. The smaller 1.8 MT (90 hp) is the denser 90 hp carb car (50.1 vs 45.5 hp/L).

2.0 MT (100 hp) versus 2.0 MT (90 hp): +10 hp, +14 Nm, Manual 5 instead of 4, −1.5 s (15.0 → 13.5), +8 km/h (157 → 165). That fifth ratio is the only gearbox step-up among 5 generation manuals besides the 110 hp twin.

2.0 MT (110 hp) versus 2.0 MT (100 hp): injection vs Carburetor, +10 hp, +6 Nm, still Manual 5, −0.5 s (13.5 → 13.0), +6 km/h (165 → 171).

2.2 MT (115 hp) versus 2.0 MT (110 hp): +218 cc, +5 hp, +26 Nm (162 → 188), peak power at 4000 rpm vs 5400, Manual 4 not 5, −1.0 s (13.0 → 12.0), +9 km/h (171 → 180). The 2.2 MT is the torque and top-speed pick; the 2.0 MT (110 hp) is the extra-gear pick.

Kerb weight is not measured, so kg per horsepower cannot be calculated.

Performance and economy (mpg)

Economy: city, highway, combined, CO₂ and eco class are not measured on every listed version. There is no mpg ranking in this catalogue.

Timed ranking, fastest 0–100 among listed cars:

1. 5 generation 2.2 MT (115 hp) — 12.0 s, 180 km/h 2. 5 generation 2.0 MT (110 hp) and 4 generation 2.0 MT (100 hp) — 13.0 s (171 and 170 km/h) 3. 5 generation 2.0 MT (100 hp) — 13.5 s, 165 km/h 4. 5 generation 1.8 MT (100 hp) and 4 generation 1.9 MT (105 hp) — 14.0 s (167 and 165 km/h)

Slowest timed: 4 generation 1.7 MT (60 hp) 26.0 s / 135 km/h, then 5 generation 1.7 MT (60 hp) 21.5 s / 143 km/h. Same 60 hp and 112 Nm; the later Sedan is 4.5 s quicker and 8 km/h faster. That is the generation gap on the smallest gasoline four.

Automatic vs Manual on the same engine: 1.8 AT (90 hp) matches 1.8 MT (90 hp) at 90 hp / 148 Nm, but 0–100 and top speed for the Automatic are not measured. The same holds for 2.0 AT (100 hp) vs 2.0 MT (100 hp) and 2.0 AT (110 hp) vs 2.0 MT (110 hp). The Automatic costs you a measured sprint figure and a gear: 3 vs 4 or 5. This catalogue does not show that the Automatic is slower; it shows that it was not measured.

4 generation 2.0 MT (100 hp) vs 5 generation 2.0 MT (100 hp): Coupe 13.0 s / 170 km/h, Sedan 13.5 s / 165 km/h, both 100 hp / 156 Nm / 1979 cc. The later car adds a 5th Manual gear and +18 mm clearance; the earlier Coupe is 0.5 s and 5 km/h ahead on the sprint sheet.

Dimensions and weight

There is no listed wheel size to compare. Ride height is the only dimension that ranks generations: 5 generation sits 18 mm higher than 4 generation.

Which version to choose

If you want the strongest listed Rekord: 5 generation 2.2 MT (115 hp). It is the only listed car at 115 hp, 188 Nm, 12.0 s and 180 km/h. Versus 5 generation 1.7 MT (60 hp) that is +55 hp, +76 Nm, −9.5 s, +37 km/h, still Manual 4 and RWD. Versus 5 generation 2.0 MT (110 hp) you give up the 5th gear for +26 Nm and +9 km/h.

If you want the last generation and a fifth gear: 5 generation 2.0 MT (110 hp) if you want injection (Central injection (single-point or single- point)), 13.0 s and 171 km/h; 5 generation 2.0 MT (100 hp) if you want Carburetor, 13.5 s and 165 km/h. Difference: +10 hp, +6 Nm, −0.5 s, +6 km/h for the 110 hp car.

If you want 100 hp without a 2.0-litre: 5 generation 1.8 MT (100 hp) — 55.7 hp/L, 14.0 s, 167 km/h, torque 137 Nm (less than the 90 hp 1.8 MT’s 148 Nm). You are buying specific output, not the fattest mid-range.

If you want a 90 hp carb four and a measured sprint: 5 generation 1.8 MT (90 hp) beats 5 generation 2.0 MT (90 hp) on top speed (160 vs 157) and torque (148 vs 142) at the same 15.0 s. Compression 10.0 vs 8.0. Do not buy the 2.0 for 90 hp on these numbers.

If you want 75 hp on 5 generation: 1.8 MT (75 hp) and 1.9 MT (75 hp) share 75 hp, 132 Nm and 17.5 s; the 1.8 MT is 7 km/h faster (154 vs 147). The 1.9 is not the better 75 hp car on the listed sheet.

If you need an Automatic: only 5 generation 1.8 AT (90 hp), 2.0 AT (100 hp) and 2.0 AT (110 hp). All 3 speeds, RWD. Sprint and vmax not measured. Pair them with the matching Manual for engine figures, not for a proven time delta.

If you want a Coupe with a timed run: 4 generation 2.0 MT (100 hp) is the Coupe’s best listed sprint (13.0 s, 170 km/h). 4 generation 1.9 MT (105 hp) is the Coupe’s peak horsepower (105 hp, 14.0 s, 165 km/h) at 55.3 hp/L. Avoid 4 generation 1.7 MT (60 hp) if you care about 0–100: 26.0 s / 135 km/h is the slowest timed listing in the model.

If you want Diesel: the only listed oil-burner is 4 generation 2.0 MT (58 hp / 43 kW, 115 Nm, 1988 cc, compression 22, Manual 4, RWD). 0–100 and top speed not measured. It is 2 hp below 1 generation 1.5 MT (54 hp) wait — 58 vs 54: the Diesel is +4 hp vs the oldest 1.5, but −47 hp vs 4 generation 1.9 MT (105 hp).

If you want an Inline 6: 3 generation 2.2 MT (94 hp) is the only six in the Sedan listing; 2 generation and 1 generation 2.6 MT (99 hp) are the same 2605 cc / 99 hp / 74 kW card in Coupe and Cabrio. None of the sixes have a 0–100. 3 generation 1.9 MT (106 hp) out-powers the 2.2 MT six by 12 hp from 342 cc less (1897 vs 2239) and adds nothing in measured speed because both are not measured. On paper the 1.9 MT (106 hp) is the 3 generation engine to choose; the six is the cylinder-count choice, not the power choice.

If you want the oldest Cabrio: 1 generation 2.6 MT (99 hp) is +45 hp vs 1.5 MT (54 hp) and +33 hp vs 1.7 MT (66 hp). Displacement 2605 vs 1488 vs 1680 cc. No times. 2 generation 1.5 MT (59 hp) is +5 hp on +4 cc versus 1 generation 1.5 MT (54 hp / 1488 cc).

If you want a 3-speed Manual: only 3 generation 1.5 MT (58 hp) and both 1.7 MT cars (66 and 75 hp). The jump 1.7 MT 66 → 75 hp is +9 hp at the same 1698 cc. The 1.9 MT (106 hp) on the same generation is the first listed 4-speed and the power peak of 1967–1971.

Reliability / problems: this catalogue does not list fault rates, rust scores or service intervals. A version cannot be ranked “more reliable” from these fields.

Short map: fastest listed — 5 generation 2.2 MT (115 hp). Best 5-speed — 5 generation 2.0 MT (110 hp). Best 90 hp carb — 5 generation 1.8 MT (90 hp). Best Coupe sprint — 4 generation 2.0 MT (100 hp). Only Diesel — 4 generation 2.0 MT (58 hp). Best 3 generation on hp/L — 1.9 MT (106 hp). Only Cabrio peak — 1 generation 2.6 MT (99 hp). Do not pick 4 generation 1.7 MT (60 hp) or 5 generation 1.7 MT (60 hp) for performance: they are the two slowest timed gasoline listings, 26.0 s and 21.5 s.