2005 Opel Astra vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Opel Astra is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2005 Opel Astra. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2005 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 391 kg more than 2005 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (326 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Opel Astra. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Opel Astra. 2003 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2005 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2005 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Opel Astra | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Astra | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1181 kg | 1572 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 62 L |
