2009 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1980 Opel Ascona
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 29 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1980 Opel Ascona. (57 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 640 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 (281 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Ascona. (110 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1980 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | 159 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
