1978 BMW 520 vs. 2003 Opel Astra
To start off, 2003 Opel Astra is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Astra (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 372 kg more than 2003 Opel Astra.
Because 1978 BMW 520 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 1978 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Opel Astra, 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, 1978 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Astra. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Astra. 2003 Opel Astra has automatic transmission and 1978 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1978 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Opel Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2003 Opel Astra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 520 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 10 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1298 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.1 L/100km | 11.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |
