1995 BMW S3 vs. 1980 Opel Commodore
To start off, 1995 BMW S3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Opel Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Opel Commodore would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 BMW S3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW S3 (338 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 223 more horse power than 1980 Opel Commodore. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW S3 weights approximately 413 kg more than 1980 Opel Commodore. 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, 1995 BMW S3 (260 Nm) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Commodore. (179 Nm). This means 1995 BMW S3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW S3 | 1980 Opel Commodore | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | S3 | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1312 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2680 mm |
