1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1975 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (184 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1975 Opel Ascona. (90 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1975 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW Z3 weights approximately 312 kg more than 1975 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 Z3 (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Opel Ascona. (147 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 1975 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | Z3 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1302 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 50 L |
