2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1975 Opel Ascona
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 27 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (164 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1975 Opel Ascona. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1975 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 433 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, 2002 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (206 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Opel Ascona. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1975 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | 156 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
