2003 Opel Astra vs. 2008 Volvo V50
To start off, 2008 Volvo V50 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 2,399 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo V50 (169 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2003 Opel Astra. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo V50 weights approximately 40 kg more than 2003 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Volvo V50 (231 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Astra. (185 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Astra | 2008 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Opel | Volvo |
| Model | Astra | V50 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.5 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 62 L |
