Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Opel Ascona B (facelift 1979) 400 2.4 (144 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 210 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1030 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.6 s). The top speed reaches 200 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
400 2.4 (144 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Exceptional performance for its era, derived from rally homologation, offering thrilling acceleration and a high top speed.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is a secondary concern; expect high consumption typical of a performance-oriented engine from this period.
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 (facelift 1979): 1979 - 1981).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Opel |
| Model: | Ascona |
| Generation: | B (facelift 1979) |
| Modification (Engine): | 400 2.4 (144 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1980 |
| End of production: | 1981 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 144 Hp @ 5200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 59.8 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 210 Nm @ 3800 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 2410 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Cylinder Bore: | 95 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.7:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 7.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 7.6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 200 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.2 kg/Hp, 139.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.9 kg/Nm, 203.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1030 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 380 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 50 l |
| 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: | 1374 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1374 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 130 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 195/60 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
Is the Opel Ascona the king of its class? Share your thoughts.