1975 Opel Ascona vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 36 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1975 Opel Ascona. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1975 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 3 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, 2011 Mazda 3, 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, 2011 Mazda 3 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Opel Ascona. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Opel Ascona | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Opel | Mazda |
| Model | Ascona | 3 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 1297 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
