1988 BMW M3 vs. 1986 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Vauxhall Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Vauxhall Astra would be higher. At 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1986 Vauxhall Astra. (53 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M3 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1986 Vauxhall Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Vauxhall 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 M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Vauxhall Astra. (84 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Vauxhall Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1986 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | BMW | Vauxhall |
| Model | M3 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2530 mm |
