2004 Opel Astra vs. 2012 BMW 328
To start off, 2012 BMW 328 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Opel Astra would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 328 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 328 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 2004 Opel Astra. (125 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 328 should accelerate faster than 2004 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 328 weights approximately 410 kg more than 2004 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 328 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 2012 BMW 328. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2012 BMW 328 (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Opel Astra. (167 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 328 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Opel Astra | 2012 BMW 328 | |
| Make | Opel | BMW |
| Model | Astra | 328 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.5 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4536 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.4 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 57 L |
