2003 Opel Astra vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2003 Opel Astra. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Astra weights approximately 79 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Opel Astra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (201 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Astra. (171 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Astra | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Astra | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.2 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 207 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.9 seconds | 9.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 55 L |
