1975 Opel Ascona vs. 1996 Rover 400
To start off, 1996 Rover 400 is newer by 21 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 1,589 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Rover 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Rover 400 (109 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1975 Opel Ascona. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Rover 400 should accelerate faster than 1975 Opel Ascona.
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, 1996 Rover 400, 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, 1996 Rover 400 (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Opel Ascona. (115 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Rover 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Opel Ascona | 1996 Rover 400 | |
| Make | Opel | Rover |
| Model | Ascona | 400 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 1589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2560 mm |
