1959 Fairthorpe Zeta vs. 1982 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1982 Opel Ascona is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1982 Opel Ascona. (75 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta should accelerate faster than 1982 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Opel Ascona weights approximately 317 kg more than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta.
Because 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta 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 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. 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, 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta (217 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Opel Ascona. (101 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Opel Ascona. 1982 Opel Ascona has automatic transmission and 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta has manual transmission. 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta 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:
| 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta | 1982 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Opel |
| Model | Zeta | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 673 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2580 mm |
