1972 Opel Ascona vs. 1989 Saab 9000
To start off, 1989 Saab 9000 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 2,290 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Saab 9000 (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1972 Opel Ascona. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1972 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Saab 9000 weights approximately 415 kg more than 1972 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Opel Ascona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Saab 9000, 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, 1989 Saab 9000 (216 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Opel Ascona. (90 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Opel Ascona | 1989 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Opel | Saab |
| Model | Ascona | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 2290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2670 mm |
