2005 Opel Astra vs. 2008 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2008 Toyota Highlander is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Opel Astra would be higher. At 3,311 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 2005 Opel Astra. (99 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2005 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 5 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.
Because 2008 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Opel Astra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander 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, 2008 Toyota Highlander (287 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Opel Astra. (150 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Opel Astra. 2008 Toyota Highlander 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. 2008 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Opel Astra | 2008 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Opel | Toyota |
| Model | Astra | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3311 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 287 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 65 L |
