2008 BMW 525 vs. 2003 Opel Astra
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 is newer by 5 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 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 525 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2003 Opel Astra. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 275 kg more than 2003 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 525 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 525. 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, 2008 BMW 525 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Astra. (185 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Astra. 2003 Opel Astra has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Opel Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 525 | 2003 Opel Astra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 525 | Astra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.1 seconds | 15.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |
