1971 Opel Ascona vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 341 more horse power than 1971 Opel Ascona. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 1140 kg more than 1971 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 550 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Opel Ascona. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 519 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Ascona. (90 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Ascona. 2012 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1971 Opel Ascona has manual transmission. 1971 Opel Ascona will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Opel Ascona | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Opel | BMW |
| Model | Ascona | 550 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2968 mm |
