2003 BMW 318 vs. 1979 Opel Ascona
To start off, 2003 BMW 318 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 2,408 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Opel Ascona (142 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 318 weights approximately 308 kg more than 1979 Opel Ascona.
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, 1979 Opel Ascona (210 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1979 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 1979 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 318 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1082 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
