2006 Opel Astra vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Opel Astra would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Opel Astra (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Astra weights approximately 340 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2006 Opel Astra (175 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2006 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Opel Astra | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Astra | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.2 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.4 seconds | 11.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.7 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 55 L |
