1996 Opel Astra vs. 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3
To start off, 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is newer by 17 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 1996 Opel Astra. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 weights approximately 585 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 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 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 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3. 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, 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Opel Astra. (128 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Opel Astra. 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 has automatic transmission and 1996 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 1996 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Opel Astra | 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 | |
| Make | Opel | BMW |
| Model | Astra | ActiveHybrid 3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 89 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2031 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2810 mm |
