1979 Opel Ascona B (facelift 1979) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Opel Ascona B facelift from 1979 ranges between 905 kg and 1030 kg (1995 to 2271 lbs), depending on the specific trim and equipment. The maximum permissible weight (gross vehicle weight rating) varies between 1365 kg and 1440 kg (3009 to 3175 lbs). These weight figures make the Ascona B light enough for nimble handling while providing adequate structural integrity for safety and performance.

The luggage compartment of the 1979 Opel Ascona B facelift sedan offers a capacity of 380 liters (approximately 13.4 cubic feet). This volume allows for convenient storage of luggage, groceries, or other cargo, providing practical usability for everyday needs or weekend trips. The relatively spacious trunk size is notable for a compact sedan of its era.

The ride height or ground clearance of the 1979 Opel Ascona B facelift is 130 mm (around 5.1 inches). This clearance is typical for sedans from this period, offering a balance between stable handling on paved roads and the ability to navigate minor road obstacles. It may, however, limit off-road capabilities or driving on very uneven terrain but is well-suited for typical urban and suburban driving conditions.

The Opel Ascona B facelift from 1979 to 1981 was equipped with tire sizes of 185/70 R13 and 195/60 R14. Corresponding rim sizes include 13-inch and 14-inch options. These tire and rim sizes reflect the car's balance between ride comfort and handling precision, suitable for the car's compact sedan class and offering a smooth drive on diverse road surfaces.

Yes, the Opel Ascona B facelift (1979) fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. With its length of 4321 mm (170.1 inches), width of 1670 mm (65.7 inches), and height of 1380 mm (54.3 inches), it occupies less space than many modern sedans, which tend to be larger. Its relatively compact dimensions mean it can fit in standard garages typically designed to accommodate vehicles up to around 2 meters (6.5 feet) in width and over 4.5 meters (15 feet) in length, ensuring ease of parking and storage at home.

Compared to the prior generation Ascona A, the Ascona B facelift (1979-1981) is generally larger and more refined in its dimensions. The Ascona B has a length of 4321 mm versus the Ascona A's approximate length of 4200 mm, a wider stance at 1670 mm compared to about 1630 mm, and similar height. These changes improved interior space and road presence while maintaining the compact and practical nature typical of the Opel Ascona line. The increase in size also often translated to better ride comfort and handling stability.

The Opel Ascona B facelift holds its own among compact sedans of the late 1970s and early 1980s with its dimensions. For instance, it is similar in length and width to competitors like the Ford Escort Mk2 and Volkswagen Golf Mk1 sedan versions, which offered lengths between 4.1 and 4.3 meters and comparable widths around 1.6 to 1.7 meters. The Ascona’s 380-liter luggage capacity was competitive and sometimes larger than that of many rivals, making it a practical choice emphasizing both drivability and cargo space within the compact segment.

The 1979 facelift of the Opel Ascona B introduced several design and feature updates to refresh the model. These typically included revised front and rear styling with new grilles, headlights, and taillights, along with updated bumpers and trim detailing to improve aerodynamics and aesthetics. Internally, some improvements to the dashboard layout, upholstery options, and instrumentation enhanced driver comfort and usability. Mechanical upgrades and enhanced engine options were also part of the facelift, aiming to bolster performance and reliability.

The Opel Ascona B facelift from 1979 to 1981 came with tire options 185/70 R13 and 195/60 R14, mounted on 13- and 14-inch rims respectively. The larger 14-inch rims with lower profile tires generally provide slightly improved handling and steering responsiveness due to reduced sidewall flex compared to the 13-inch setup. The 13-inch tires typically enhance ride comfort by offering more cushioning. These options allowed buyers to prioritize comfort or sportier handling depending on their preferences and driving conditions.