A big step toward better varieties of rape took place in the last twenty years in countries which have a high production of this plant. This genetic progress results in better quality of raw material for oil production and a higher amount of oil obtained per unit of cultivation area. However, with the improvements of some genetic features, others became worse. Reducing the amount of glucosinolates and eruic acid as well as increasing yield was the main object of genetic improvements of rape; however at the same time strength of pods and seeds decreased. The aim of the present studies was to compare strength features of pods and seeds of some rape varieties cultivated in various countries. Mechanical properties of pods were checked according to the method elaborated in the Institute of Agrophysics of the Polish Academy of Sciences. Basic mechanical parameters derived from torsion tests of single pods were compared in order to estimate varietal cracking resistance. Mechanical strength of seeds was determined using quasi-static compression test. Damaging force and deformation, energy and modulus of elasticity were chosen as characteristic parameters obtained from this test. Variability of strength features of pods and seeds was determined. Varieties were evaluated according to technological value.