1971 Opel Ascona vs. 1981 Plymouth Horizon
To start off, 1981 Plymouth Horizon is newer by 10 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 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Plymouth Horizon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Plymouth Horizon (62 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1971 Opel Ascona. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Plymouth Horizon should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Plymouth Horizon weights approximately 90 kg more than 1971 Opel Ascona. 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, 1981 Plymouth Horizon, 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, 1981 Plymouth Horizon (115 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Ascona. (90 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Plymouth Horizon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Opel Ascona | 1981 Plymouth Horizon | |
| Make | Opel | Plymouth |
| Model | Ascona | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2530 mm |
