1990 BMW M3 vs. 1971 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1990 BMW M3 is newer by 19 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 2,467 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1971 Opel Ascona. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW M3 weights approximately 290 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.
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, 1990 BMW M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Ascona. (90 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 1971 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | M3 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 79.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 61 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2440 mm |
