1976 Ford Escort vs. 1982 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1982 Opel Ascona is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Opel Ascona (115 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1976 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Opel Ascona weights approximately 189 kg more than 1976 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Escort 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 1976 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona, 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, 1982 Opel Ascona (154 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1982 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Escort | 1982 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 876 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2740 mm |
