2005 Opel Astra vs. 2009 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander is newer by 4 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 3,456 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 2005 Opel Astra. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2005 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 80 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 2009 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, 2009 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, 2009 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Opel Astra. (127 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Opel Astra. 2009 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. 2009 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Opel Astra | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Opel | Toyota |
| Model | Astra | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 3456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2800 mm |
