1961 Abarth 1600 vs. 1980 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1980 Opel Ascona is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 1600 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Abarth 1600 (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1980 Opel Ascona. (57 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Abarth 1600 should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Opel Ascona weights approximately 50 kg more than 1961 Abarth 1600.
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, 1961 Abarth 1600 (138 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Ascona. (110 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1961 Abarth 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 1600 | 1980 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Abarth | Opel |
| Model | 1600 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.5 mm | 86.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 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 | 960 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 50 L |
