1975 Opel Ascona vs. 2009 Volvo S40
To start off, 2009 Volvo S40 is newer by 34 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 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo S40 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1975 Opel Ascona. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1975 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volvo S40 weights approximately 337 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, 2009 Volvo S40, 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, 2009 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Opel Ascona. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Opel Ascona. 2009 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 1975 Opel Ascona has manual transmission. 1975 Opel Ascona will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Opel Ascona | 2009 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Opel | Volvo |
| Model | Ascona | S40 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 1339 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
