2008 Opel Astra vs. 2009 Kia Forte
To start off, 2009 Kia Forte is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Opel Astra would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Forte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Forte (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2008 Opel Astra. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 2008 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Opel Astra weights approximately 31 kg more than 2009 Kia Forte.
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, 2009 Kia Forte (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Opel Astra. (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Forte will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Opel Astra | 2009 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Opel | Kia |
| Model | Astra | Forte |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 1294 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4529 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 52 L |
