1981 Opel Ascona vs. 1989 Volvo 480
To start off, 1989 Volvo 480 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volvo 480 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volvo 480 (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1981 Opel Ascona. (74 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volvo 480 should accelerate faster than 1981 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Volvo 480 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1981 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 1989 Volvo 480 (141 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Opel Ascona. (101 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1989 Volvo 480 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Opel Ascona | 1989 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Opel | Volvo |
| Model | Ascona | 480 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.4 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2510 mm |
