1979 Opel Ascona vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 2,408 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (201 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1979 Opel Ascona. (142 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1979 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 418 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 Mercedes-Benz SLK (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Opel Ascona. (210 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Opel Ascona. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Opel Ascona | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Opel | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ascona | SLK |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2408 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 197 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.7 seconds | 6.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1082 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2431 mm |
