1982 Opel Ascona vs. 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1982 Opel Ascona is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia 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 81 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Opel Ascona weights approximately 252 kg more than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia 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 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 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 (150 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1982 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1982 Opel Ascona has automatic transmission and 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia 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 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ascona | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 64 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1072 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2430 mm |
