The Opel Ascona B 1.9 N, producing 75 horsepower, was a mainstay of the Ascona B range produced between 1976 and 1979. Positioned as an entry-level to mid-range offering, it provided a balance of affordability and practicality within the broader Ascona lineup, which also included more powerful variants like the 2.0E and the later 2.0 SR. The Ascona B itself was a significant model for Opel, representing a move towards more modern styling and engineering compared to its predecessor, the Ascona A. It was primarily marketed in Europe as a family sedan and coupe, competing with vehicles like the Ford Taunus and Volkswagen Passat.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Ascona |
| Generation | Ascona B |
| Type (Engine) | 1.9 N (75 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1976 |
| End of production | 1979 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 2-4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 157 km/h (97.56 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.1 kg/Hp, 76.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.4 kg/Nm, 134.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 75 Hp @ 4800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 39.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 132 Nm @ 2200-3400 rpm (97.36 lb.-ft. @ 2200-3400 rpm) |
| Engine Model/Code | 19N |
| Engine displacement | 1897 cm3 (115.76 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 93 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 69.8 mm (2.75 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 7.9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.8 l (4.02 US qt | 3.34 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.9 l (6.23 US qt | 5.19 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 980 kg (2160.53 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1420 kg (3130.56 lbs.) |
| Max load | 440 kg (970.03 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 380 l (13.42 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Length | 4321 mm (170.12 in.) |
| Width | 1670 mm (65.75 in.) |
| Height | 1380 mm (54.33 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2518 mm (99.13 in.) |
| Front track | 1375 mm (54.13 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1375 mm (54.13 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 130 mm (5.12 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.46 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.1 m (33.14 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Ascona B 1.9 N was the 19N engine, a 1.9-liter inline-four cylinder unit. This engine utilized a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery was managed by a carburetor, a common setup for the time, offering simplicity and relatively low cost. The 19N engine produced 75 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 132 Nm (97.36 lb-ft) of torque between 2200 and 3400 rpm. The engine’s relatively low compression ratio of 7.9:1 was typical for engines designed to run on the available fuel grades of the era. The engine was paired with a four-speed manual transmission, which was the standard configuration for this variant. While an automatic transmission was available on some Ascona B models, it wasn’t typically offered with the 1.9 N engine.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.9 N-equipped Ascona B offered a practical and economical driving experience. Acceleration was modest, taking around 14 seconds to reach 62 mph (100 km/h), and a top speed of approximately 97.56 mph (157 km/h) was achievable. Compared to the more powerful 2.0E or 2.0 SR models, the 1.9 N felt noticeably slower, particularly during overtaking maneuvers. However, the 1.9 N’s lower power output also meant better fuel economy. The four-speed manual transmission provided a reasonable spread of gears, but the engine’s torque characteristics meant that frequent shifting was often necessary to maintain momentum, especially when driving uphill or with a full load. The rear-wheel-drive layout provided a balanced feel, although it lacked the handling precision of more modern front-wheel-drive cars.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.9 N trim level was generally considered the base model within the Ascona B range. Standard equipment typically included cloth upholstery, basic instrumentation (speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge), and a simple two-spoke steering wheel. Optional extras included a radio, upgraded upholstery, and a sunroof. The interior was functional and durable, prioritizing practicality over luxury. The exterior trim was relatively understated, with minimal chrome accents. The Ascona B 1.9 N was often chosen by buyers who prioritized affordability and reliability over lavish features.
Chassis & Braking
The Ascona B featured a conventional chassis design with independent front suspension and a live rear axle. The front suspension utilized MacPherson struts, while the rear suspension employed leaf springs. Braking was accomplished via disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels. The braking system was adequate for the car’s weight and performance, but it lacked the stopping power of more modern braking systems. Stabilizer bars were typically fitted to the front suspension to reduce body roll during cornering. The suspension setup provided a comfortable ride, although it could feel somewhat soft and wallowy when pushed hard.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Ascona B 1.9 N was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and affordable family car. It was praised for its reliability, fuel economy, and comfortable ride. However, it was also criticized for its modest performance and somewhat dated styling. Compared to the more powerful Ascona B variants, the 1.9 N offered a lower price point but sacrificed performance. The 2.0E, for example, offered significantly more horsepower and torque, resulting in much quicker acceleration and a more engaging driving experience. However, the 2.0E also came with a higher price tag and slightly worse fuel economy. The 1.9 N appealed to buyers who prioritized practicality and affordability over outright performance.
Legacy
The Opel Ascona B 1.9 N, while not the most exciting variant in the lineup, proved to be a durable and reliable vehicle. The 19N engine, while simple in design, was known for its longevity and relatively low maintenance costs. Today, Ascona B models are becoming increasingly sought after by classic car enthusiasts. The 1.9 N variant, due to its affordability and simplicity, is often a popular choice for restoration projects. Parts availability can be a challenge, but a dedicated community of Opel enthusiasts continues to support the preservation of these classic vehicles. The Ascona B 1.9 N represents a significant chapter in Opel’s history, embodying the spirit of practical and reliable European motoring of the 1970s.
