1981 Opel Ascona vs. 1980 Renault 12
To start off, 1981 Opel Ascona is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Renault 12 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Opel Ascona (81 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1980 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1980 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Opel Ascona weights approximately 114 kg more than 1980 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 1981 Opel Ascona (134 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Opel Ascona | 1980 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Opel | Renault |
| Model | Ascona | 12 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1014 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2450 mm |
