2006 BMW 550 vs. 2006 Opel Astra
To start off, both 2006 BMW 550 and 2006 Opel Astra were released in the same year (2006). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 2006 Opel Astra. (198 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2006 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 550 weights approximately 300 kg more than 2006 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW 550 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 2006 BMW 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 BMW 550 (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Opel Astra. (262 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 550 | 2006 Opel Astra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 550 | Astra |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |
