1975 Opel Ascona vs. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 33 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 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1975 Opel Ascona. (90 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1975 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 366 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Opel Ascona. (147 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Opel Ascona | 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Opel | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Ascona | 156 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 2492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 68.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 63 L |
