1996 Opel Astra vs. 2010 BMW 118
To start off, 2010 BMW 118 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Opel Astra would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 BMW 118 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 118 (177 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1996 Opel Astra. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 1996 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 118 weights approximately 245 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 2010 BMW 118 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 2010 BMW 118. 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, 2010 BMW 118 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Opel Astra. (170 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Opel Astra | 2010 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Opel | BMW |
| Model | Astra | 118 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2660 mm |
