2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1979 Opel Ascona
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1979 Opel Ascona. (142 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Opel Ascona weights approximately 17 kg more than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Opel Ascona. (210 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 1979 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | RX-8 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2408 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 197 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 7.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 1082 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2520 mm |
