2003 Opel Astra vs. 2008 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Astra (174 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Sharan. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Astra weights approximately 92 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Sharan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Sharan 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 Sharan 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 Sharan (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Astra. (251 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Sharan 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 Sharan | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Astra | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 178 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.9 seconds | 14.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.9 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 70 L |
