1979 Opel Ascona vs. 2012 Ford E-150
To start off, 2012 Ford E-150 is newer by 33 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford E-150 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford E-150 (225 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1979 Opel Ascona. (142 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford E-150 should accelerate faster than 1979 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford E-150 weights approximately 1529 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Ford E-150 (387 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Opel Ascona. (210 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Ford E-150 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Opel Ascona. 2012 Ford E-150 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. 2012 Ford E-150 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Opel Ascona | 2012 Ford E-150 | |
| Make | Opel | Ford |
| Model | Ascona | E-150 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2408 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 387 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1082 kg | 2611 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5504 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 2017 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 2085 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3505 mm |
