2004 Opel Astra vs. 2012 BMW 740
To start off, 2012 BMW 740 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 740 (315 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 2004 Opel Astra. (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 2004 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 740 weights approximately 545 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 740 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 740. 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 740 (447 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Opel Astra. (262 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Opel Astra. 2012 BMW 740 has automatic transmission and 2004 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2004 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 740 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Opel Astra | 2012 BMW 740 | |
| Make | Opel | BMW |
| Model | Astra | 740 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 5075 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 3070 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.2 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.2 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 82 L |
