1990 BMW 850 vs. 1996 Opel Astra
To start off, 1996 Opel Astra is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1990 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 850 (297 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1996 Opel Astra. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1996 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 850 weights approximately 640 kg more than 1996 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 BMW 850 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 1990 BMW 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1990 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Opel Astra. (170 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 850 | 1996 Opel Astra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 850 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 297 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2620 mm |
