1996 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1971 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 2,392 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1971 Opel Ascona. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 475 kg more than 1971 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Opel Ascona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu, 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, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Ascona. (90 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Ascona. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1971 Opel Ascona has manual transmission. 1971 Opel Ascona will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Malibu | 1971 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Opel |
| Model | Malibu | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 79.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2440 mm |
