1971 Opel Ascona vs. 1977 Renault 12
To start off, 1977 Renault 12 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Opel Ascona (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1977 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1977 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Opel Ascona weights approximately 10 kg more than 1977 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Opel Ascona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Renault 12, 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, 1977 Renault 12 (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Ascona. (90 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Opel Ascona | 1977 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Opel | Renault |
| Model | Ascona | 12 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 73.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2450 mm |
