2003 BMW M3 vs. 2007 Opel Astra
To start off, 2007 Opel Astra is newer by 4 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 224 more horse power than 2007 Opel Astra. (118 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2007 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Opel Astra weights approximately 10 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
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, 2007 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 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Opel Astra. (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Opel Astra. 2007 Opel Astra has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Opel Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2007 Opel Astra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | M3 | Astra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1909 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 191 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 52 L |
