1988 Ford Fiesta vs. 1979 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1988 Ford Fiesta is newer by 9 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 2,408 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Opel Ascona (142 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1988 Ford Fiesta. (44 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Opel Ascona weights approximately 314 kg more than 1988 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1988 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1979 Opel Ascona (210 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Fiesta. (68 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1979 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Fiesta | 1979 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Fiesta | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 2408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 768 kg | 1082 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2520 mm |
