Opel Rekord E 2.1 D (60 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

7.3 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 2.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Opel Rekord:

The Opel Rekord is a large family car which was built in eight generations by the German car manufacturer Opel. Between 1953 and 1986, approximately ten million were sold.
The Series D and E Rekords also spawned derivative versions manufactured by Opel's British sister company Vauxhall and in the case of the Rekord E, GM's Australian arm Holden. In 1986, the Rekord nameplate was replaced by the Opel Omega.
The Rekord name evolved into the main name of the model; at first the name was used in close relationship with the Opel Olympia name, which pre-dated the Rekord but was also reinstated in a separate model in 1967....(Read more on Wikipedia)

E Overview:

Opel Rekord (E). With 118 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1255 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 28 s). The top speed reaches 133 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
As a vehicle from the late 1970s, the Opel Rekord E predates modern Euro NCAP testing standards. Its safety features would be rudimentary by today's measures, focusing on basic structural integrity and seatbelts rather than advanced passive or active safety systems.

2.1 D (60 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 2 stars

Performance Verdict

The slowest option available, offering very poor acceleration and only suitable for relaxed, unhurried driving.

Fuel Economy

Despite the automatic, it maintains reasonable diesel economy, but it's the least dynamic choice.

Best Use Case: Pure Economy / Unhurried Commuting

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Robust and reliable build quality for its era
  • • Spacious and comfortable interior
  • • Wide range of engine options (economical diesels to potent petrols)
  • • Good value for money in its segment
  • • Classic rear-wheel-drive handling

Cons:

  • • Outdated safety features by modern standards
  • • Entry-level engines are very slow
  • • Fuel economy of older petrol engines can be high
  • • Rust can be an issue on older models
  • • Automatic transmissions significantly impact performance and economy

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(D Coupe: 1975 - 1977).

General:
Brand:Opel
Model:Rekord
Generation:E
Modification (Engine):2.1 D (60 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:1977
End of production:1978
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:2-4
Engine:
Power:60 Hp @ 4400 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:29 Hp/l [14mm less]
Torque:118 Nm @ 2500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:21D More details about the engine 21D
Engine displacement:2068
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Precombustion chamber injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC
Cylinder Bore:88 mm mm
Piston Stroke:85 mm mm
Compression ratio:22:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:8.9 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:28 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:28 sec
Maximum speed:133 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:20.9 kg/Hp, 47.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:10.6 kg/Nm, 94 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:26.6 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1255
Max. weight:1735
Max load:480
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:540 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):1250 kg
Fuel tank capacity:65 l
Size:
Length:4593 mm mm [14mm less]
Width:1726 mm mm [2mm less]
Height:1420 mm mm [40mm more]
Wheelbase:2668 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1435 mm
Rear (Back) track:1412 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.2 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears3
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]

Is the Opel Rekord the king of its class? Share your thoughts.