2003 BMW 525 vs. 2005 Opel Astra
To start off, 2005 Opel Astra is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 525 (184 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2005 Opel Astra. (121 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2005 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 525 weights approximately 305 kg more than 2005 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW 525 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 2003 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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 BMW 525 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Opel Astra. (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 525 | 2005 Opel Astra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 525 | Astra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 238 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |
