2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette vs. 2001 Opel Astra
To start off, 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Opel Astra would be higher. At 3,998 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Opel Astra (437 HP @ 7350 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette. (184 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette weights approximately 595 kg more than 2001 Opel Astra.
Because 2001 Opel Astra 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 2001 Opel Astra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette, 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 Opel Astra (531 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette. (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette. 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette has automatic transmission and 2001 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2001 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette | 2001 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Opel |
| Model | Silhouette | Astra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3350 cc | 3998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 437 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7350 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2620 mm |
