2003 Opel Astra vs. 2006 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2006 Smart ForTwo 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Astra (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (60 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Astra weights approximately 495 kg more than 2006 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Smart ForTwo 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 Smart ForTwo. 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 (171 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Astra | 2006 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Opel | Smart |
| Model | Astra | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.5 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.2 mm | 67 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 4.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 33 L |
