1986 Ford Escort vs. 1980 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 6 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, 1986 Ford Escort (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1980 Opel Ascona. (57 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Opel Ascona weights approximately 100 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort.
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, 1986 Ford Escort, 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, both vehicles can yield 110 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1980 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 86.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
