2003 Opel Astra vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte 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 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Forte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Forte (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2003 Opel Astra. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Astra weights approximately 20 kg more than 2012 Kia Forte.
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, 2012 Kia Forte (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Astra. (171 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Forte will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Astra | 2012 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Opel | Kia |
| Model | Astra | Forte |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4481 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.5 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.6 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 52 L |
