2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1979 Opel Ascona
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 26 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, 1979 Opel Ascona (142 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Opel Ascona weights approximately 27 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1979 Opel Ascona (210 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1979 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Ascona |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1082 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2520 mm |
