1979 Opel Ascona vs. 1961 Trabant Universal
To start off, 1979 Opel Ascona is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Trabant Universal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Trabant Universal 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 122 more horse power than 1961 Trabant Universal. (20 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1961 Trabant Universal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Opel Ascona weights approximately 416 kg more than 1961 Trabant Universal. 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, 1961 Trabant Universal, 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 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Trabant Universal. (44 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1979 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Trabant Universal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Opel Ascona | 1961 Trabant Universal | |
| Make | Opel | Trabant |
| Model | Ascona | Universal |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2408 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 20 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 44 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1082 kg | 666 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2030 mm |
