1971 Opel Ascona vs. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 36 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1971 Opel Ascona. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 470 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, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Ascona. (90 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Opel Ascona | 2007 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ascona | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2580 mm |
