2005 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1980 Opel Ascona
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 3,724 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1980 Opel Ascona. (57 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 725 kg more than 1980 Opel Ascona. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Ascona. (110 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Ascona. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1980 Opel Ascona has manual transmission. 1980 Opel Ascona will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | 1980 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | S | Ascona |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3724 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 50 L |
