2002 Opel Astra vs. 2006 Volvo V50
To start off, 2006 Volvo V50 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Opel Astra would be higher. At 2,522 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo V50 (218 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 2002 Opel Astra. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 2002 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo V50 weights approximately 431 kg more than 2002 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Volvo V50 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Opel Astra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volvo V50 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Volvo V50 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Opel Astra. (127 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Opel Astra | 2006 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Opel | Volvo |
| Model | Astra | V50 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1389 cc | 2522 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.4 mm | 93 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2650 mm |
