1997 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1974 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1974 Opel Ascona. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1974 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 650 kg more than 1974 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Opel Ascona. (90 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | 1974 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | E | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1194 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2440 mm |
