1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 1980 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1980 Opel Ascona is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 2,398 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1980 Opel Ascona. (57 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 555 kg more than 1980 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Ascona. (110 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | 1980 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | 240 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2398 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 86.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 50 L |
