1996 BMW 523 vs. 1996 Opel Astra
To start off, both 1996 BMW 523 and 1996 Opel Astra were released in the same year (1996). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 523 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1996 Opel Astra. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1996 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 523 weights approximately 395 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 1996 BMW 523 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 1996 BMW 523. 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, 1996 BMW 523 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Opel Astra. (128 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 523 | 1996 Opel Astra | |
Make | BMW | Opel |
Model | 523 | Astra |
Year Released | 1996 | 1996 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1598 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 170 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 245 Nm | 128 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 85 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 69.8 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1150 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4250 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2620 mm |