2006 BMW M3 vs. 2008 Opel Astra
To start off, 2008 Opel Astra is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (333 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 2008 Opel Astra. (168 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 185 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 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 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Opel Astra. (250 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2008 Opel Astra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | M3 | Astra |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.5 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 52 L |
