1988 BMW 525 vs. 2008 Opel Astra
To start off, 2008 Opel Astra is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,443 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2008 Opel Astra. (99 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2008 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 25 kg more than 2008 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Opel Astra (260 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2008 Opel Astra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 525 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 1909 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |
