1970 Opel Ascona vs. 2005 Saturn ION
To start off, 2005 Saturn ION is newer by 35 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 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Saturn ION (138 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1970 Opel Ascona. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 1970 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Saturn ION weights approximately 330 kg more than 1970 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Saturn ION, 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, 2005 Saturn ION (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Opel Ascona. (120 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2005 Saturn ION will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Opel Ascona | 2005 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Opel | Saturn |
| Model | Ascona | ION |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1583 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2630 mm |
