1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 vs. 1982 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1982 Opel Ascona is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 would be higher. At 1,987 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 (93 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1982 Opel Ascona. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 should accelerate faster than 1982 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 weights approximately 380 kg more than 1982 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 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 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 (156 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Opel Ascona. (94 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 | 1982 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | 200 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1987 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2580 mm |
