1956 Abarth 600 vs. 1980 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1980 Opel Ascona is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Opel Ascona (57 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1956 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1956 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Opel Ascona weights approximately 425 kg more than 1956 Abarth 600. 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, 1980 Opel Ascona (110 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Abarth 600 | 1980 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Abarth | Opel |
| Model | 600 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 746 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 86.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 50 L |
