1979 Opel Ascona vs. 2006 Renault Grand Espace
To start off, 2006 Renault Grand Espace is newer by 27 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 24 more horse power than 2006 Renault Grand Espace. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 2006 Renault Grand Espace. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Renault Grand Espace weights approximately 748 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, 2006 Renault Grand Espace, 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, 2006 Renault Grand Espace (270 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Opel Ascona. (210 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2006 Renault Grand Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Opel Ascona | 2006 Renault Grand Espace | |
| Make | Opel | Renault |
| Model | Ascona | Grand Espace |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2408 cc | 1870 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 197 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.7 seconds | 13.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1082 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2880 mm |
