1996 BMW 840 vs. 2004 Opel Astra

To start off, 2004 Opel Astra is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 840. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 840 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 840 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 840 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 2004 Opel Astra. (103 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 2004 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 840 weights approximately 515 kg more than 2004 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1996 BMW 840 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 840. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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 840 (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Opel Astra. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 840 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Opel Astra. 1996 BMW 840 has automatic transmission and 2004 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2004 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 840 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1996 BMW 840 2004 Opel Astra
Make BMW Opel
Model 840 Astra
Year Released 1996 2004
Body Type Coupe Station Wagon
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4398 cc 1598 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 282 HP 103 HP
Engine RPM 5700 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 440 Nm 150 Nm
Torque RPM 3900 RPM 3900 RPM
Engine Bore Size 92 mm 79 mm
Engine Stroke Size 82.7 mm 81.5 mm
Top Speed 250 km/hour 185 km/hour
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1890 kg 1375 kg
Vehicle Length 4790 mm 4290 mm
Vehicle Width 1860 mm 1720 mm
Vehicle Height 1350 mm 1470 mm
Wheelbase Size 2690 mm 2700 mm
Fuel Consumption Highway 9.3 L/100km 5.5 L/100km
Fuel Consumption City 19.7 L/100km 8.7 L/100km
Fuel Consumption Overall 13.1 L/100km 6.7 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 90 L 52 L