Germany vs West Germany — 1980 vs 1981
| Ascona 400 Rally | Manta 400 Rally Homologation | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 144 hp | 144 hp |
| Torque | 155 lb-ft | 155 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,410 cc | 2,420 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.2 sec | 8.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 124 mph | 129 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.2 sec | 16.0 sec |
| Weight | 2,315 lbs | 2,337 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,518 mm | 2,518 mm |
| Length | 4,322 mm | 4,470 mm |
| Units Produced | 2,484 | 245 |
| Value (Excellent) | $120,000 | $200,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 9/10 |
Two outstanding machines, each with compelling strengths. The 1980 Opel Ascona 400 Rally excels in quicker acceleration, better value, while the 1981 Opel Manta 400 Rally Homologation stands out for higher top speed, greater rarity. The best advice? Drive both if you can, then follow your instincts.
The 1980 Opel Ascona 400 Rally and 1981 Opel Manta 400 Rally Homologation 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 1981 Opel Manta 400 Rally Homologation 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 400 relies on a Inline-4 DOHC 16V with 2,420 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1980 Opel Ascona 400 Rally edges ahead at 8.2 seconds versus 8.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 245 units built, the 1981 Opel Manta 400 Rally Homologation is considerably scarcer than the Opel Ascona's 2,484 examples.