Germany vs Germany — 1980 vs 1983
| Ascona 400 Rally | Manta 400 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 144 hp | 144 hp |
| Torque | 155 lb-ft | 150 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,410 cc | 2,410 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.2 sec | 7.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 124 mph | 126 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.2 sec | 16.0 sec |
| Weight | 2,315 lbs | 2,381 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,518 mm | 2,575 mm |
| Length | 4,322 mm | 4,380 mm |
| Units Produced | 2,484 | 245 |
| Original MSRP | — | $22,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $120,000 | $85,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 9/10 |
The 1983 Opel Manta 400 emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering quicker acceleration, higher top speed, greater rarity. The 1980 Opel Ascona 400 Rally counters with its unique character, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
The 1980 Opel Ascona 400 Rally and 1983 Opel Manta 400 share a manufacturer in Opel, but that's where the similarities get interesting. These two models reveal the versatility and ambition of the Opel brand. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1980 Opel Ascona 400 Rally producing 144 hp and the 1983 Opel Manta 400 delivering 144 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Opel Ascona uses a Inline-4 DOHC displacing 2,410 cc, while the Opel Manta relies on a Inline-4 with 2,410 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1983 Opel Manta 400 edges ahead at 7.8 seconds versus 8.2 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 245 units built, the 1983 Opel Manta 400 is considerably scarcer than the Opel Ascona's 2,484 examples. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference.