1998 Opel Astra vs. 2009 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 520 is newer by 11 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. Both 1998 Opel Astra and 2009 BMW 520 are equipped with a 1,995 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 520 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1998 Opel Astra. (85 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 520 weights approximately 295 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.
Because 2009 BMW 520 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 2009 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2009 BMW 520 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Astra. (188 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Astra. 2009 BMW 520 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. 2009 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Opel Astra | 2009 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Opel | BMW |
| Model | Astra | 520 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 70 L |
