1972 Ford Cortina vs. 1982 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1982 Opel Ascona is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Opel Ascona (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Cortina weights approximately 12 kg more than 1982 Opel Ascona.
Because 1972 Ford Cortina 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 1972 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona, 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, 1982 Opel Ascona (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1982 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina. 1982 Opel Ascona has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Opel Ascona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 1982 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Cortina | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1032 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 70 L |
