1982 Opel Ascona vs. 1999 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 1999 Panoz Esperante is newer by 17 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 242 more horse power than 1982 Opel Ascona. (75 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1982 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 280 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.
Because 1999 Panoz Esperante 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 1999 Panoz Esperante. 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, 1999 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 325 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Opel Ascona. (101 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1999 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Opel Ascona. 1982 Opel Ascona has automatic transmission and 1999 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 1999 Panoz Esperante 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 | 1999 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Opel | Panoz |
| Model | Ascona | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 155 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2700 mm |
