1990 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 1979 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ is newer by 11 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 2,957 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1979 Opel Ascona. (142 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ should accelerate faster than 1979 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ weights approximately 178 kg more than 1979 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, 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Opel Ascona. (210 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ | 1979 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | SZ | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 2408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 197 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1082 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2520 mm |
