1982 Opel Ascona vs. 1961 Reliant Sabre 4
To start off, 1982 Opel Ascona is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 would be higher. At 1,703 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Opel Ascona (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. (70 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Opel Ascona weights approximately 234 kg more than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 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 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona, 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, 1982 Opel Ascona (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. (123 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1982 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. 1982 Opel Ascona has automatic transmission and 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 has manual transmission. 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 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:
| 1982 Opel Ascona | 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 | |
| Make | Opel | Reliant |
| Model | Ascona | Sabre 4 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1703 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1032 kg | 798 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 38 L |
