2006 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1975 Opel Ascona
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 31 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 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1975 Opel Ascona. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1975 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 500 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, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Opel Ascona. (115 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1975 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | 156 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
