1998 BMW 318 vs. 1982 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 318 (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1982 Opel Ascona. (75 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1982 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1982 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 318 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1998 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Opel Ascona. (101 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Opel Ascona. 1982 Opel Ascona has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Opel Ascona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1982 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 318 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2580 mm |
