1982 Opel Ascona vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series

To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1982 Opel Ascona. (115 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1982 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 623 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 2013 BMW 3 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1982 Opel Ascona. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Opel Ascona. (150 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Opel Ascona. 1982 Opel Ascona has automatic transmission and 2013 BMW 3 Series has manual transmission. 2013 BMW 3 Series will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Opel Ascona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1982 Opel Ascona 2013 BMW 3 Series
Make Opel BMW
Model Ascona 3 Series
Year Released 1982 2013
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1796 cc 2979 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 115 HP 296 HP
Engine RPM 5800 RPM 5800 RPM
Torque 150 Nm 407 Nm
Torque RPM 4800 RPM 5000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 84.8 mm 84 mm
Engine Stroke Size 79.5 mm 89 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 9.5:1 10.2 :1
Top Speed 180 km/hour 210 km/hour
Drive Type Front AWD
Transmission Type Automatic 6-speed manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1072 kg 1695 kg
Vehicle Length 4370 mm 4620 mm
Vehicle Width 1670 mm 1961 mm
Vehicle Height 1370 mm 1395 mm
Wheelbase Size 2600 mm 2760 mm