2003 Holden Astra vs. 2007 BMW 523
To start off, 2007 BMW 523 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Holden Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Holden Astra would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2003 Holden Astra. (120 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2003 Holden Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 523 weights approximately 415 kg more than 2003 Holden Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 BMW 523 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 2007 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Holden 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, 2007 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Holden Astra. (165 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Holden Astra. 2007 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 2003 Holden Astra has manual transmission. 2003 Holden Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Holden Astra | 2007 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Holden | BMW |
| Model | Astra | 523 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2890 mm |
