2003 Opel Astra vs. 2006 Pontiac Solstice
To start off, 2006 Pontiac Solstice is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Opel Astra would be higher. At 2,399 cc, 2006 Pontiac Solstice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Pontiac Solstice (177 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2003 Opel Astra. (174 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Pontiac Solstice should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Astra weights approximately 63 kg more than 2006 Pontiac Solstice.
Because 2006 Pontiac Solstice 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 2006 Pontiac Solstice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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 Opel Astra (251 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Pontiac Solstice. (225 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Pontiac Solstice.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Astra | 2006 Pontiac Solstice | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Astra | Solstice |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2399 cc |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 87.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 97.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1347 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.9 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.9 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 49 L |
