1980 Opel Ascona vs. 1996 Volvo 960
To start off, 1996 Volvo 960 is newer by 16 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 2,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 960 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 960 (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1980 Opel Ascona. (57 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 960 should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 960 weights approximately 490 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.
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, 1996 Volvo 960 (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Ascona. (110 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 960 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Opel Ascona | 1996 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | Opel | Volvo |
| Model | Ascona | 960 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4550 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2780 mm |
