1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1980 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 7 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 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (192 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1980 Opel Ascona. (57 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 355 kg more than 1980 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Ascona. (110 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1980 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | 164 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 86.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 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 | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
