2005 Opel Astra vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Opel Astra (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 99 kg more than 2005 Opel Astra.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2005 Opel Astra (173 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Opel Astra | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Astra | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.6 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.2 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 55 L |
