1982 Opel Ascona vs. 1970 Reliant Bug
To start off, 1982 Opel Ascona is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Reliant Bug. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Reliant Bug would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Opel Ascona (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1970 Reliant Bug. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1970 Reliant Bug. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Opel Ascona weights approximately 542 kg more than 1970 Reliant Bug. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Reliant Bug 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 1970 Reliant Bug. 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 (94 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Reliant Bug. (52 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1982 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Reliant Bug.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Opel Ascona | 1970 Reliant Bug | |
| Make | Opel | Reliant |
| Model | Ascona | Bug |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 60.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.4 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 150 km/hour | 121 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 408 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 2800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 1960 mm |
