1980 Opel Ascona vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1980 Opel Ascona. (57 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 515 kg more than 1980 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, 2011 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Ascona. (110 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Opel Ascona | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Opel | BMW |
| Model | Ascona | 120 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.5 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 51 L |
