1957 Abarth 600 vs. 1982 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1982 Opel Ascona is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Opel Ascona (75 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Opel Ascona weights approximately 365 kg more than 1957 Abarth 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Abarth 600 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 1957 Abarth 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona, 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, 1982 Opel Ascona (101 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1982 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 600. 1982 Opel Ascona has automatic transmission and 1957 Abarth 600 has manual transmission. 1957 Abarth 600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Opel Ascona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 600 | 1982 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Abarth | Opel |
| Model | 600 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2580 mm |
