1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1972 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 1,370 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 (102 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1972 Opel Ascona. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1972 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1972 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Opel Ascona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 (125 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Opel Ascona. (90 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 | 1972 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | 146 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1370 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2440 mm |
