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Opel Ascona B (facelift 1979) 1.3 N (60 Hp)
Overall Rating
Opel Ascona:
The Opel Ascona is a large family car that was produced by the German automaker Opel from 1970 to 1988. It was produced in three separate generations, beginning with rear-wheel-drive and ending up as a front-wheel drive J-car derivative. The Ascona was developed to fill the gap in the Opel range as the Opel Rekord was gradually growing in size.
The Ascona took its name from the lakeside resort of that name in Ticino, Switzerland, and already in the 1950s a special edition of the Opel Rekord P1 was sold as an Opel Ascona in Switzerland, where the name was again used in 1968 for a locally adapted version of the Opel Kadett B into which the manufacturers had persuaded a 1. 7-litre engine borrowed from the larger Rekord model of the time. The Opel Ascona A launched in 1970 and sold across Europe was, however, the first mainstream Opel model to carry the name — departing from Opel's long standing convention of using German naval rank designations for its models....(Read more on Wikipedia)
B (facelift 1979) Overview:
Opel Ascona (B (facelift 1979)). With 94 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 905 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 18 s). The top speed reaches 145 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
1.3 N (60 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Basic and functional performance, primarily suited for urban environments where speed is less critical. Expect leisurely acceleration.
Fuel Economy
The most fuel-efficient petrol engine in the lineup, designed for maximum economy and low running costs.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Classic rear-wheel-drive dynamics
- • Wide range of engines, including a high-performance rally homologation special (400)
- • Robust and relatively simple mechanicals, easy to maintain
- • Timeless, understated design (facelift)
- • Strong community and parts availability for enthusiasts
Cons:
- • Lacks modern safety features and crash protection
- • Prone to rust, especially in older examples
- • Basic interior comfort and amenities by modern standards
- • Fuel economy can be poor on larger engines
- • Finding unmolested, well-maintained examples can be challenging
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(B: 1978 - 1979).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Opel |
| Model: | Ascona |
| Generation: | B (facelift 1979) |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.3 N (60 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1979 |
| End of production: | 1981 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 2-4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 60 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 46.3 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 94 Nm @ 3800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 13N, 13NB More details about the engine 13N, 13NB |
| Engine displacement: | 1297 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 2.5 l |
| Coolant: | 5.8 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 75 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 73.4 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 18 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 18 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 145 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 15.1 kg/Hp, 66.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9.6 kg/Nm, 103.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 17.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 905 |
| Max. weight: | 1365 |
| Max load: | 460 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 380 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1000 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 50 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 485 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4321 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1670 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1380 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2518 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1380 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1375 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 130 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.1 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
If you could change one thing about the Opel Ascona, what would it be?