1980 Opel Ascona vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1980 Opel Ascona. (57 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 335 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 1998 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Opel Ascona. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Golf (305 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Ascona. (110 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Opel Ascona | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ascona | Golf |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
