1980 Opel Ascona vs. 2008 Saab 03-Sep
To start off, 2008 Saab 03-Sep is newer by 28 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. Both 1980 Opel Ascona and 2008 Saab 03-Sep are equipped with a 1,998 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Saab 03-Sep (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1980 Opel Ascona. (57 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Saab 03-Sep should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Saab 03-Sep weights approximately 645 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, 2008 Saab 03-Sep, 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, 2008 Saab 03-Sep (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Ascona. (110 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Saab 03-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Opel Ascona | 2008 Saab 03-Sep | |
| Make | Opel | Saab |
| Model | Ascona | 03-Sep |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.5 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |
