1970 Opel Ascona vs. 1984 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Opel Ascona (80 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 120 kg more than 1970 Opel Ascona.
Because 1970 Opel Ascona 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 1970 Opel Ascona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1970 Opel Ascona (118 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. (101 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1970 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Opel Ascona | 1984 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ascona | Passat |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2560 mm |
