1981 BMW 525 vs. 1998 Opel Astra
To start off, 1998 Opel Astra is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 525 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1998 Opel Astra. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 525 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1998 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 525 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 1981 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1981 BMW 525 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Astra. (170 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 1998 Opel Astra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 525 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 80.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2620 mm |
