1985 Ford Taurus vs. 1979 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1985 Ford Taurus is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Opel Ascona (142 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1985 Ford Taurus. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ford Taurus weights approximately 363 kg more than 1979 Opel Ascona.
Because 1979 Opel Ascona 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 1979 Opel Ascona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Ford Taurus, 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, 1985 Ford Taurus (217 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Opel Ascona. (210 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Taurus | 1979 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Taurus | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1082 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2520 mm |
