2001 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1975 Opel Ascona
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 1,897 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 (118 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1975 Opel Ascona. (90 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1975 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1975 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Opel Ascona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1975 Opel Ascona (147 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1975 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1975 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | 156 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
