1979 Opel Ascona vs. 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
To start off, 2003 Pontiac Bonneville is newer by 24 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 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Pontiac Bonneville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Pontiac Bonneville (275 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1979 Opel Ascona. (142 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac Bonneville should accelerate faster than 1979 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 637 kg more than 1979 Opel Ascona. 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, 2003 Pontiac Bonneville, 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, 2003 Pontiac Bonneville (298 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Opel Ascona. (210 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Opel Ascona. 2003 Pontiac Bonneville 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. 2003 Pontiac Bonneville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Opel Ascona | 2003 Pontiac Bonneville | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Ascona | Bonneville |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2408 cc | 4565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| 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 | 1719 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2790 mm |
