2003 Opel Astra vs. 2012 Dacia Duster
To start off, 2012 Dacia Duster is newer by 9 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dacia Duster (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2003 Opel Astra. (99 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dacia Duster should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Astra weights approximately 150 kg more than 2012 Dacia Duster.
Because 2012 Dacia Duster 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, 2012 Dacia Duster 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, 2012 Dacia Duster (177 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Astra. (149 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Dacia Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Astra | 2012 Dacia Duster | |
| Make | Opel | Dacia |
| Model | Astra | Duster |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4315 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1822 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2673 mm |
