2008 Opel Astra vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Opel Astra is newer by 5 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2008 Opel Astra. (99 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2008 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 124 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.
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 (350 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Opel Astra. (240 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Opel Astra | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Astra | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1684 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.4:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.2 seconds | 10 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1489 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.2 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 62 L |
