2006 BMW M3 vs. 2006 Opel Astra
To start off, both 2006 BMW M3 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 3,244 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 2006 Opel Astra. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 140 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 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, 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 M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Opel Astra. (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2006 Opel Astra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | M3 | Astra |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 213 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 52 L |
