2001 BMW 318 vs. 2003 Opel Astra
To start off, 2003 Opel Astra is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Astra (144 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (142 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 318 weights approximately 90 kg more than 2003 Opel Astra.
Because 2001 BMW 318 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 2001 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Opel Astra (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318. 2003 Opel Astra has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Opel Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 2003 Opel Astra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 318 | Astra |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 144 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.6 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 52 L |
