1998 Ford Focus vs. 1979 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 19 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 8 more horse power than 1998 Ford Focus. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Focus weights approximately 162 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, 1998 Ford Focus, 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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (170 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 1979 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Focus | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 2408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.4:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 184 km/hour | 197 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.9 seconds | 7.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1244 kg | 1082 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2520 mm |
