1998 Opel Astra vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Opel Astra would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1998 Opel Astra. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 340 kg more than 1998 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (351 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Astra. (167 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Astra. 2005 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1998 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 1998 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Opel Astra | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Astra | Passat |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 62 L |
