Opel Ascona: Which Version Should You Buy?
The Opel Ascona choice depends first on the kind of driving experience you want. The first generation, listed for 1970–1975, and the second, listed for 1975–1981, use RWD; the third, listed for 1981–1988, changes to FWD. All three generations are represented here as Sedan 2-doors.
The Opel Ascona choice depends first on the kind of driving experience you want. The first generation, listed for 1970–1975, and the second, listed for 1975–1981, use RWD; the third, listed for 1981–1988, changes to FWD. All three generations are represented here as Sedan 2-doors. The strongest recorded option is the second-generation 2.4 MT with 144 hp, while the most economical measured version is the third-generation Diesel 1.6 MT at 5.8 l/100 km combined. Buyers seeking an Automatic must look to the third generation among the versions shown.
Opel Ascona generations: what changed?
The first generation covers 1970–1975, has a Sedan 2-doors body and 9 modifications. Every listed version combines RWD with a 4-speed Manual. Its engines range from 1,196 to 1,897 cc and from 60 to 90 hp. Ground clearance is 127 mm across the listed range. Independent, spring front suspension, dependent, spring rear suspension, Disc front brakes and Drum rear brakes are recorded for every displayed version.
The second generation covers 1975–1981, retains the Sedan 2-doors body and expands to 13 modifications. The 12 displayed versions remain RWD, but the selection broadens from 1.2 MT models to a 2.4 MT. Most have a 4-speed Manual, whereas the 2.4 MT has a 5-speed Manual. Ground clearance rises by 3 mm over the first generation, to 130 mm. The 2.4 MT also stands apart with Disc brakes at both ends.
The third generation covers 1981–1988, remains a Sedan 2-doors and has 45 modifications, of which 12 are displayed. Its defining catalogue change is from RWD to FWD. It offers 3-speed Automatic, 4-speed Manual and 5-speed Manual transmissions, plus both Gasoline and Diesel engines. Listed ground clearance is either 130 or 140 mm, while every shown third-generation version has a 61-litre tank.
Opel Ascona engine and gearbox specs
Repeated version names are separated by generation, power and, where necessary, torque.
| Generation and exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First — 1.6 MT (68 hp) | 68 hp | 108 Nm | 1,584 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| First — 1.6 MT (60 hp) | 60 hp | 102 Nm | 1,584 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| First — 1.6 MT (80 hp) | 80 hp | 118 Nm | 1,584 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| First — 1.9 MT (88 hp) | 88 hp | 142 Nm | 1,897 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| First — 1.2 MT | 60 hp | 83 Nm | 1,196 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| First — 1.6 MT (75 hp, 123 Nm) | 75 hp | 123 Nm | 1,587 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| First — 1.9 MT (90 hp, first entry) | 90 hp | 145 Nm | 1,897 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| First — 1.6 MT (75 hp, 125 Nm) | 75 hp | 125 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| First — 1.9 MT (90 hp, second entry) | 90 hp | 145 Nm | 1,897 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second — 1.2 MT (55 hp) | 55 hp | 78 Nm | 1,196 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second — 1.3 MT (60 hp) | 60 hp | 92 Nm | 1,297 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second — 1.3 MT (75 hp) | 75 hp | 96 Nm | 1,297 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second — 2.0 MT (90 hp) | 90 hp | 142 Nm | 1,979 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second — 2.0 MT (100 hp) | 100 hp | 170 Nm | 1,979 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second — 2.0 MT (110 hp) | 110 hp | 162 Nm | 1,979 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second — 2.4 MT | 144 hp | 210 Nm | 2,410 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second — 1.2 MT (60 hp) | 60 hp | 83 Nm | 1,196 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second — 1.6 MT (60 hp) | 60 hp | 102 Nm | 1,584 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second — 1.6 MT (75 hp) | 75 hp | 123 Nm | 1,587 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second — 1.9 MT (90 hp) | 90 hp | 145 Nm | 1,897 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second — 1.9 MT (75 hp) | 75 hp | 132 Nm | 1,900 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Third — 1.3 AT (first entry) | 75 hp | 96 Nm | 1,297 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third — 1.3 MT (75 hp, 96 Nm) | 75 hp | 96 Nm | 1,297 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third — 1.6 MT (82 hp) | 82 hp | 130 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third — 1.8 MT (84 hp) | 84 hp | 143 Nm | 1,796 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third — 1.8 MT (115 hp) | 115 hp | 151 Nm | 1,796 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third — 2.0 MT (116 hp) | 116 hp | 175 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third — 2.0 MT (129 hp) | 129 hp | 180 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third — 1.6 MT (54 hp) | 54 hp | 96 Nm | 1,598 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third — 1.3 MT (60 hp) | 60 hp | 92 Nm | 1,297 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third — 1.3 MT (75 hp, 101 Nm) | 75 hp | 101 Nm | 1,297 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third — 1.3 AT (second entry) | 75 hp | 96 Nm | 1,297 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third — 1.6 AT | 75 hp | 123 Nm | 1,587 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | FWD |
The best power per litre among these engines belongs to the second-generation 2.4 MT at approximately 59.8 hp per litre. The third-generation 2.0 MT with 129 hp follows closely at approximately 64.6 hp per litre and therefore actually has the higher specific output. Among the third-generation 1.8 MT choices, the 115 hp version produces approximately 64.0 hp per litre, compared with approximately 46.8 hp per litre for the 84 hp version.
Opel Ascona performance and economy
The second-generation 2.4 MT is the quickest version in the supplied data: it reaches 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds and has a 197 km/h maximum speed. Against the second-generation 2.0 MT with 110 hp, it adds 34 hp and 48 Nm, cuts the acceleration time by 2.8 seconds and raises maximum speed by 10 km/h.
For a quicker third-generation FWD choice, the 2.0 MT with 129 hp reaches 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and 193 km/h. The 116 hp 2.0 MT needs 10 seconds and reaches 187 km/h, so the stronger version brings 13 hp, 5 Nm, a 0.5-second acceleration advantage and 6 km/h more maximum speed. Its combined consumption is 8.1 l/100 km rather than 7.8 l/100 km, a difference of 0.3 l/100 km.
The two third-generation 1.8 MT versions demonstrate a larger performance spread. The 115 hp car reaches 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds and 187 km/h, while the 84 hp car takes 12.5 seconds and reaches 168 km/h. The stronger version adds 31 hp and 8 Nm, saves 2 seconds in acceleration and adds 19 km/h, with combined consumption increasing from 7.7 to 8 l/100 km.
The third-generation Gasoline 1.6 MT with 82 hp is the balanced measured option. It records 14 seconds to 100 km/h, 165 km/h and consumption of 8.2 l/100 km in the city, 4.1 l/100 km on the highway and 7.1 l/100 km combined. The Diesel 1.6 MT uses 6.6, 3.7 and 5.8 l/100 km respectively, but needs 21 seconds to reach 100 km/h and tops out at 143 km/h. The Diesel saves 1.3 l/100 km combined but gives away 28 hp and 22 km/h.
The third-generation 1.3 AT and 75 hp 1.3 MT entries both record 15.5 seconds to 100 km/h, 160 km/h, and consumption of 9.4 l/100 km city, 5.4 l/100 km highway and 8.1 l/100 km combined. Where performance or consumption is absent for another listed version, it is not measured.
Opel Ascona dimensions, weight and practical specs
Exterior length, width, height, wheelbase and wheel sizes are not measured for any supplied version. Kerb and gross weights are also not measured for the first- and second-generation entries.
In the third generation, most versions with recorded mass weigh 910 kg kerb and 1,380 kg gross. This applies to the 82 hp 1.6 MT, both 1.8 MT versions, both 2.0 MT versions and the 54 hp Diesel 1.6 MT. The 75 hp and 101 Nm 1.3 MT weighs 930 kg kerb and 1,380 kg gross. On recorded kerb weight, the 129 hp 2.0 MT carries approximately 7.1 kg per horsepower, versus approximately 16.9 kg per horsepower for the 54 hp Diesel 1.6 MT.
Every shown third-generation version has a 61-litre tank. The versions recorded at 140 mm of ground clearance include the 82 hp 1.6 MT, both 1.8 MT versions, both 2.0 MT versions, the Diesel 1.6 MT and the 75 hp, 101 Nm 1.3 MT. Other displayed third-generation entries have 130 mm. First-generation clearance is 127 mm; second-generation clearance is 130 mm.
Which Opel Ascona version should you buy?
Choose the second-generation 2.4 MT if outright performance and RWD matter most. Its 144 hp, 210 Nm, 7.7-second acceleration time and 197 km/h maximum are the strongest combined performance figures in the supplied catalogue. It also provides a 5-speed Manual and Disc rear brakes, distinguishing it from the other displayed second-generation versions.
Choose the third-generation 2.0 MT with 129 hp if you want the quickest measured FWD Ascona. It combines 193 km/h, 9.5 seconds to 100 km/h and 8.1 l/100 km combined consumption. The 116 hp 2.0 MT is the more economical alternative, using 0.3 l/100 km less combined while surrendering only 0.5 seconds in acceleration.
Choose the third-generation 1.6 MT with 82 hp for the most even compromise between performance and measured economy: 165 km/h, 14 seconds to 100 km/h and 7.1 l/100 km combined. Choose the Diesel 1.6 MT with 54 hp only when consumption takes priority over speed; its 5.8 l/100 km combined figure is the lowest measured, but its 21-second acceleration time is the slowest recorded.
For an Automatic, the third-generation 1.6 AT offers 123 Nm, 27 Nm more than the 75 hp 1.3 AT, although it records 14.5 rather than 15.5 seconds to 100 km/h. Its combined consumption is 8.5 l/100 km, 0.4 l/100 km above the 1.3 AT. The 1.3 AT is therefore the lower-consumption Automatic, while the 1.6 AT provides more torque and a 1-second acceleration advantage.
For the traditional earlier-generation formula without selecting the extreme 2.4 MT, the second-generation 2.0 MT with 110 hp is the strongest alternative: 187 km/h and 10.5 seconds to 100 km/h. Buyers comparing cars for sale should match the exact version name, power, torque, gearbox and drive to these specifications, because names such as 1.6 MT, 1.9 MT and 2.0 MT identify several materially different Ascona versions.