1982 Opel Ascona vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 30 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 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A (138 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1982 Opel Ascona. (75 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1982 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 415 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A (300 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Opel Ascona. (101 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Opel Ascona. 1982 Opel Ascona has automatic transmission and 2012 Mercedes-Benz A has manual transmission. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A 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 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Opel | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ascona | A |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 155 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2570 mm |
