2003 Opel Astra vs. 2009 Pontiac Solstice
To start off, 2009 Pontiac Solstice is newer by 6 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 2,383 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Pontiac Solstice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Pontiac Solstice (173 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2003 Opel Astra. (142 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Pontiac Solstice should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Pontiac Solstice weights approximately 179 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.
Because 2009 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 2009 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, 2009 Pontiac Solstice (226 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Astra. (204 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Pontiac Solstice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Astra | 2009 Pontiac Solstice | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Astra | Solstice |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.7 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 49 L |
