2001 Opel Astra vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Opel Astra would be higher. At 3,998 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Opel Astra (437 HP @ 7350 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. (302 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 611 kg more than 2001 Opel Astra.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 2001 Opel Astra (531 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2001 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2001 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Opel Astra | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Opel | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Astra | E |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3998 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 437 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7350 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 531 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1761 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 66 L |
