2008 Opel Astra vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 4 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 435 kg more than 2008 Opel Astra.
Because 2012 BMW 520 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 2012 BMW 520. 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, 2012 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Opel Astra. (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Opel Astra. 2012 BMW 520 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. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Opel Astra | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Opel | BMW |
| Model | Astra | 520 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 182 HP |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.6 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 70 L |
