1978 Honda Accord vs. 1979 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1979 Opel Ascona is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,408 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Opel Ascona (142 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Opel Ascona weights approximately 152 kg more than 1978 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Opel Ascona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Honda Accord, 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, 1979 Opel Ascona (210 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1979 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Accord | 1979 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Honda | Opel |
| Model | Accord | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 2408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77.1 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1082 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2520 mm |
