1982 Opel Ascona vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1982 Opel Ascona. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1982 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 285 kg more than 1982 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Opel Ascona. (94 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Opel Ascona. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1982 Opel Ascona has manual transmission. 1982 Opel Ascona will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Opel Ascona | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Ascona | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2630 mm |
