1979 Opel Ascona vs. 2007 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2007 Opel Vectra is newer by 28 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 2,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Opel Vectra (276 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1979 Opel Ascona. (142 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1979 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Opel Vectra weights approximately 531 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, 2007 Opel Vectra, 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, 2007 Opel Vectra (355 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Opel Ascona. (210 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2007 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Opel Ascona | 2007 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Opel | Opel |
| Model | Ascona | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2408 cc | 2791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 74.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 197 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.7 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1082 kg | 1613 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2840 mm |
