1981 BMW 518 vs. 1982 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1982 Opel Ascona is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 518 (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1982 Opel Ascona. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 1982 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 518 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1982 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 518 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1981 BMW 518 (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Opel Ascona. (94 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 1982 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 518 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2580 mm |
