1975 Opel Ascona vs. 2004 Rover 45
To start off, 2004 Rover 45 is newer by 29 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Rover 45 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Rover 45 (100 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1975 Opel Ascona. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Rover 45 should accelerate faster than 1975 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Rover 45 weights approximately 295 kg more than 1975 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2004 Rover 45, 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, 2004 Rover 45 (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Opel Ascona. (115 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2004 Rover 45 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Opel Ascona | 2004 Rover 45 | |
| Make | Opel | Rover |
| Model | Ascona | 45 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
