1971 BMW 3 vs. 1981 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1981 Opel Ascona is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1981 Opel Ascona. (81 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 366 kg more than 1981 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 1971 BMW 3 (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Opel Ascona. (134 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1981 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 3 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1014 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2580 mm |
