1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1970 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1970 Opel Ascona. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1970 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 686 kg more than 1970 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Opel Ascona. (120 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Opel Ascona. 1988 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1970 Opel Ascona has manual transmission. 1970 Opel Ascona will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 1970 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Thunderbird | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1583 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2680 mm |
