1979 Opel Ascona vs. 2002 Peugeot 406
To start off, 2002 Peugeot 406 is newer by 23 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 8 more horse power than 2002 Peugeot 406. (134 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 2002 Peugeot 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Peugeot 406 weights approximately 268 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, 2002 Peugeot 406, 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 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Peugeot 406. (191 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1979 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Peugeot 406. 2002 Peugeot 406 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. 2002 Peugeot 406 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Opel Ascona | 2002 Peugeot 406 | |
| Make | Opel | Peugeot |
| Model | Ascona | 406 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2408 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 88 mm |
| Top Speed | 197 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.7 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1082 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2650 mm |
