1996 Audi A3 vs. 1979 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1996 Audi A3 is newer by 17 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 41 more horse power than 1996 Audi A3. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1996 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Audi A3 weights approximately 64 kg more than 1979 Opel Ascona.
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, 1996 Audi A3, 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 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Audi A3. (144 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1979 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A3 | 1979 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Audi | Opel |
| Model | A3 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 197 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1146 kg | 1082 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2520 mm |
