2009 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1980 Opel Ascona
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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 Mercedes-Benz C (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1980 Opel Ascona. (57 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 455 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.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Ascona. (110 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | 1980 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | C | Ascona |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 50 L |
