1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1982 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1982 Opel Ascona is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Opel Ascona (115 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Opel Ascona weights approximately 272 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1982 Opel Ascona (150 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1982 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 1982 Opel Ascona has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Opel Ascona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1982 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Fiesta | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 166 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1072 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2600 mm |
