2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1979 Opel Ascona
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 25 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, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1979 Opel Ascona. (142 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1979 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 443 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 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Opel Ascona. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Opel Ascona. (210 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1979 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | 156 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 2408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 197 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 7.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1082 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2520 mm |
