1996 BMW 540 vs. 1981 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1981 Opel Ascona. (114 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1981 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 795 kg more than 1981 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 286 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Opel Ascona. (154 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1981 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 540 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |
