1974 Opel Ascona vs. 1983 Volvo 740
To start off, 1983 Volvo 740 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 2,319 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Volvo 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Volvo 740 (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1974 Opel Ascona. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Volvo 740 should accelerate faster than 1974 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Volvo 740 weights approximately 362 kg more than 1974 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1983 Volvo 740 (190 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Opel Ascona. (90 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Volvo 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Opel Ascona | 1983 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | Opel | Volvo |
| Model | Ascona | 740 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1194 cc | 2319 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1272 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2780 mm |
