2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 2001 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 2003 Mazda Roadster is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Vauxhall Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Vauxhall Astra would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Vauxhall Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Vauxhall Astra (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Vauxhall Astra should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Vauxhall Astra weights approximately 360 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mazda Roadster 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 Mazda Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Vauxhall 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, 2001 Vauxhall Astra (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (140 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 Vauxhall Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 2003 Mazda Roadster has automatic transmission and 2001 Vauxhall Astra has manual transmission. 2001 Vauxhall Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mazda Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Roadster | 2001 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Mazda | Vauxhall |
| Model | Roadster | Astra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2620 mm |
