2008 Opel Astra vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 is newer by 3 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 301 more horse power than 2008 Opel Astra. (99 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2008 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 685 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 2011 BMW 550 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Opel Astra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 369 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Opel Astra. (240 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Opel Astra. 2011 BMW 550 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. 2011 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Opel Astra | 2011 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Opel | BMW |
| Model | Astra | 550 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1684 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2969 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.2 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 70 L |
