1980 Opel Ascona vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 32 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (536 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 479 more horse power than 1980 Opel Ascona. (57 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1220 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (799 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 689 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Ascona. (110 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Ascona. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Opel Ascona | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Opel | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ascona | S |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 536 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 799 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 2230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 90 L |
