2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren vs. 1971 Opel Ascona
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (617 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 558 more horse power than 1971 Opel Ascona. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 860 kg more than 1971 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (780 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 690 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Ascona. (90 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Ascona. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren has automatic transmission and 1971 Opel Ascona has manual transmission. 1971 Opel Ascona will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | 1971 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | SLR McLaren | Ascona |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 617 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 780 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 79.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1770 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
