2009 Fiat Panda vs. 1979 Opel Ascona
To start off, 2009 Fiat Panda is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 2,408 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Opel Ascona (142 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2009 Fiat Panda. (69 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 2009 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Fiat Panda weights approximately 58 kg more than 1979 Opel Ascona.
Because 2009 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Opel Ascona. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Fiat Panda will offer significantly more control. 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, 1979 Opel Ascona (210 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Fiat Panda. (180 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1979 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat Panda | 1979 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | Panda | Ascona |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1248 cc | 2408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.6 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 150 km/hour | 197 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 18 seconds | 7.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1082 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
