1988 BMW 524 vs. 2003 Opel Astra
To start off, 2003 Opel Astra is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 524. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 524 would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 524 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Astra (142 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 524 weights approximately 205 kg more than 2003 Opel Astra.
Because 1988 BMW 524 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 1988 BMW 524. 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, 1988 BMW 524 (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Astra. (204 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 524 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 2003 Opel Astra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 524 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2740 mm |
