2005 Mazda 3 vs. 1975 Opel Ascona
To start off, 2005 Mazda 3 is newer by 30 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 1,897 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda 3 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1975 Opel Ascona. (90 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1975 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda 3 weights approximately 355 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, 2005 Mazda 3, 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, 1975 Opel Ascona (147 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1975 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda 3 | 1975 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | 3 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
