2008 BMW 523 vs. 2008 Opel Astra
To start off, both 2008 BMW 523 and 2008 Opel Astra were released in the same year (2008). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2008 Opel Astra. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2008 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 168 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 2008 BMW 523 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 2008 BMW 523. 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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Opel Astra. (200 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Opel Astra. 2008 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 2008 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2008 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2008 Opel Astra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 523 | Astra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 1248 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 172 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 13.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.3 L/100km | 4.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |
