2002 Jaguar XK8 vs. 1970 Opel Ascona
To start off, 2002 Jaguar XK8 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Jaguar XK8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Jaguar XK8 (300 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 1970 Opel Ascona. (80 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Jaguar XK8 should accelerate faster than 1970 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Jaguar XK8 weights approximately 809 kg more than 1970 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, 2002 Jaguar XK8 (420 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 302 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Opel Ascona. (118 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2002 Jaguar XK8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Opel Ascona. 2002 Jaguar XK8 has automatic transmission and 1970 Opel Ascona has manual transmission. 1970 Opel Ascona will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Jaguar XK8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Jaguar XK8 | 1970 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Jaguar | Opel |
| Model | XK8 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 153 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1734 kg | 925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2450 mm |
