1985 Opel Kadett vs. 1980 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1985 Opel Kadett is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Opel Kadett (115 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1980 Opel Ascona. (57 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Opel Ascona weights approximately 80 kg more than 1985 Opel Kadett.
Because 1980 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 1980 Opel Ascona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Opel Kadett, 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 Opel Kadett (150 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Ascona. (110 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1985 Opel Kadett will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Opel Kadett | 1980 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Opel | Opel |
| Model | Kadett | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 86.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2610 mm |
