1981 BMW 525 vs. 2003 Opel Astra
To start off, 2003 Opel Astra is newer by 22 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 25 more horse power than 2003 Opel Astra. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Astra weights approximately 30 kg more than 1981 BMW 525.
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, 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, 1981 BMW 525 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Astra. (171 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Astra. 2003 Opel Astra has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 525 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:
1981 BMW 525 | 2003 Opel Astra | |
Make | BMW | Opel |
Model | 525 | Astra |
Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
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 | 123 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 215 Nm | 171 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 80.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 88.2 mm |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 11.9 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1310 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4260 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2700 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.2 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 11.6 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |