1971 Opel Ascona A Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Opel Ascona A varies between 845 kg and 940 kg (approximately 1,863 to 2,073 lbs), depending on the specific model and equipment. The maximum weight capacity ranges from 1,270 kg to 1,365 kg (about 2,801 to 3,008 lbs). This weight range reflects a lightweight design that contributes to the vehicle's fuel efficiency and manageable driving dynamics, characteristic of sedans in its class during that era.

The Opel Ascona A has a ride height or ground clearance of 134 mm (approximately 5.3 inches). This moderate ground clearance provided a good balance between stable on-road handling and sufficient clearance to handle typical road irregularities of the time. While it is not suited for off-road conditions, the Ascona A's ground clearance was adequate for everyday driving on city streets and country roads.

Yes, the Opel Ascona A fits comfortably into a standard home garage. With its length of 4,124 mm (162.3 inches) and width of 1,626 mm (64 inches), it is within the typical garage dimensions which usually accommodate cars up to around 5,000 mm (196.9 inches) in length and 2,500 mm (98.4 inches) in width. Its height of 1,385 mm (54.5 inches) also poses no issue for standard garage door heights. This makes parking and storing the vehicle at home convenient.

The Opel Ascona A was the first generation of its model, introduced in 1970 as a replacement for the Opel Kadett B in the compact family car segment. Compared to similar models of the era, such as the Ford Taunus or Volkswagen Passat, the Ascona A is relatively compact with a moderate length and width. Its dimensions strike a balance between interior space and maneuverability, being smaller than large family sedans but larger than subcompacts. Its lightweight construction also differentiated it from some heavier competitors, offering an efficient driving experience.

Compared to other compact sedans of the 1970s, the Opel Ascona A is fairly typical in size. With a length of 4,124 mm (162.3 in) and width of 1,626 mm (64 in), it aligns closely with rivals like the Ford Taunus TC and early Volkswagen Passat models. Many compact sedans in this era ranged from about 4,000 to 4,300 mm in length and around 1,600 to 1,700 mm in width. The Ascona A’s proportions allowed for reasonable interior space without compromising drivability, making it a competitive choice.

While specific interior dimensions for the Opel Ascona A are less commonly documented, the overall exterior size and design suggest a practical and comfortable cabin for four to five passengers typical of sedans in this class. The relatively compact footprint delivers enough shoulder and legroom for daily commuting and family use. Additionally, the trunk capacity was sufficient for standard luggage and grocery loads, typical for compact sedans of the 1970s. Although interior space was not generous by modern standards, it met the needs of drivers during its production period.

The relatively low curb weight of the Opel Ascona A, ranging from 845 kg to 940 kg (1,863 to 2,073 lbs), positively impacted its fuel consumption and overall performance. Lighter vehicles require less energy to accelerate and maintain speed, contributing to improved mileage and responsive handling. For the early 1970s, this was an advantage as fuel efficiency became increasingly important due to changing fuel economy awareness. The weight also helped in making the Ascona A more agile compared to heavier sedans, offering balanced driving dynamics for everyday use.

The Opel Ascona A was primarily offered as a sedan during its production from 1970 to 1975. Unlike later generations which introduced additional body styles such as hatchbacks or coupes, the Ascona A was focused on the four-door sedan format. This choice reflected market demands of the time for practical family vehicles that emphasized passenger comfort and cargo practicality. Its straightforward design was in line with the functional ethos of many European compact family cars of the early 1970s.

The compact dimensions of the Opel Ascona A, at just over 4.1 meters (about 13.5 feet) in length and 1.6 meters (around 5.3 feet) in width, make it practical for parking and maneuvering in tight urban environments even by today’s standards. Its smaller footprint compared to many modern cars facilitates easier parallel parking and navigating narrow city streets. However, the comparatively narrow width might feel slightly constrained in broader, more spacious settings, but overall its size remains advantageous for urban usability and efficiency.