2002 Mazda 6 vs. 1979 Opel Ascona
To start off, 2002 Mazda 6 is newer by 23 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, 2002 Mazda 6 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1979 Opel Ascona. (142 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1979 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda 6 weights approximately 343 kg more than 1979 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Mazda 6, 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 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda 6. (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda 6 | 1979 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | 6 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1082 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2520 mm |
