2006 BMW M3 vs. 2005 Opel Astra
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 1 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (355 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 241 more horse power than 2005 Opel Astra. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 385 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 2006 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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 M3 (370 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Opel Astra. (173 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2005 Opel Astra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | M3 | Astra |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 80.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 52 L |
