2006 Opel Astra vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Opel Astra is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2006 Opel Astra. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2006 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 247 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Volkswagen Passat (326 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Opel Astra. (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Opel Astra | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Astra | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.5 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.2 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 198 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 1572 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 62 L |
