1996 BMW M3 vs. 1996 Opel Astra
To start off, both 1996 BMW M3 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1996 Opel Astra. (59 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 475 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 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 1996 BMW M3. 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 M3 (320 Nm) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Opel Astra. (103 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1996 Opel Astra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | M3 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
