2003 Oldsmobile Alero vs. 2004 Opel Astra
To start off, 2004 Opel Astra is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Oldsmobile Alero would be higher. At 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Oldsmobile Alero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. (139 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Astra weights approximately 5 kg more than 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2004 Opel Astra (220 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. 2003 Oldsmobile Alero has automatic transmission and 2004 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2004 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Oldsmobile Alero will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Oldsmobile Alero | 2004 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Opel |
| Model | Alero | Astra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 70 L |
