1996 BMW M3 vs. 1980 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 271 more horse power than 1980 Opel Ascona. (57 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 622 kg more than 1980 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, 1996 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Ascona. (110 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1980 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | M3 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 86.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
