1975 Opel Ascona vs. 1983 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1983 Vauxhall Astra is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Vauxhall Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Vauxhall Astra (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1975 Opel Ascona. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Vauxhall Astra should accelerate faster than 1975 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Opel Ascona weights approximately 110 kg more than 1983 Vauxhall Astra.
Because 1975 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 1975 Opel Ascona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Vauxhall Astra, 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, 1983 Vauxhall Astra (148 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Opel Ascona. (115 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1983 Vauxhall Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Opel Ascona | 1983 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Opel | Vauxhall |
| Model | Ascona | Astra |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2520 mm |
