2003 BMW M3 vs. 2006 Opel Astra
To start off, 2006 Opel Astra is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 2006 Opel Astra. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 155 kg more than 2006 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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 M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Opel Astra. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2006 Opel Astra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | M3 | Astra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1364 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 80.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 178 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 13.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 52 L |
