2008 Nissan Micra vs. 1980 Opel Ascona
To start off, 2008 Nissan Micra is newer by 28 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Micra (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1980 Opel Ascona. (57 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Micra should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Micra weights approximately 33 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.
Because 1980 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 1980 Opel Ascona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Micra, 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, both vehicles can yield 110 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan Micra | 1980 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Nissan | Opel |
| Model | Micra | Ascona |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1238 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 71 mm | 86.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.9:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1043 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 50 L |
