1979 Opel Ascona vs. 1998 Chevrolet Prizm
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Prizm is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Opel Ascona 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 19 more horse power than 1998 Chevrolet Prizm. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1998 Chevrolet Prizm. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Prizm weights approximately 8 kg more than 1979 Opel Ascona.
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, 1998 Chevrolet Prizm, 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 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Chevrolet Prizm. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Chevrolet Prizm. 1998 Chevrolet Prizm has automatic transmission and 1979 Opel Ascona has manual transmission. 1979 Opel Ascona will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Chevrolet Prizm will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Opel Ascona | 1998 Chevrolet Prizm | |
| Make | Opel | Chevrolet |
| Model | Ascona | Prizm |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2408 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1082 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2470 mm |
