1997 BMW M3 vs. 1974 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1974 Opel Ascona. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW M3 weights approximately 390 kg more than 1974 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, 1997 BMW M3 (236 Nm) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Opel Ascona. (90 Nm). This means 1997 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 1974 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | M3 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 1194 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
