1979 Opel Ascona vs. 2012 BMW 1 Series
To start off, 2012 BMW 1 Series is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 1 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 1 Series (335 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1979 Opel Ascona. (142 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 1 Series should accelerate faster than 1979 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 1 Series weights approximately 488 kg more than 1979 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 1 Series (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Opel Ascona. (210 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 1 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Opel Ascona | 2012 BMW 1 Series | |
| Make | Opel | BMW |
| Model | Ascona | 1 Series |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2408 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 197 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.7 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1082 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2660 mm |
