1980 Opel Ascona vs. 1998 Rover 75
To start off, 1998 Rover 75 is newer by 18 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, 1998 Rover 75 (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1980 Opel Ascona. (57 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Rover 75 should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Rover 75 weights approximately 394 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, 1998 Rover 75, 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, 1998 Rover 75 (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Ascona. (110 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Rover 75 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Ascona. 1998 Rover 75 has automatic transmission and 1980 Opel Ascona has manual transmission. 1980 Opel Ascona will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Rover 75 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Opel Ascona | 1998 Rover 75 | |
| Make | Opel | Rover |
| Model | Ascona | 75 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 66 L |
