1980 Opel Ascona vs. 1984 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Volkswagen Passat (70 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1980 Opel Ascona. (57 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 76 kg more than 1980 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Opel Ascona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1984 Volkswagen Passat (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Ascona. (110 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1984 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Opel Ascona | 1984 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ascona | Passat |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.6 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1086 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
