2003 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1975 Opel Ascona
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 28 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 1,908 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1975 Opel Ascona. (90 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1975 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 440 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Opel Ascona. (147 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1975 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | Spider | Ascona |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1908 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 50 L |
