2006 Chevrolet Spark vs. 2003 Opel Astra
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Spark is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Opel Astra would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Astra (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Spark. (65 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Spark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Astra weights approximately 37 kg more than 2006 Chevrolet Spark. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Chevrolet Spark 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 Chevrolet Spark. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Opel Astra (173 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Spark. (87 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Spark.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Spark | 2003 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Opel |
| Model | Spark | Astra |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 995 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 65 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68.5 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.5 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1078 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 53 L |
