2008 Opel Astra vs. 2012 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2012 Toyota Highlander 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 2,700 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 560 kg more than 2008 Opel Astra.
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, 2012 Toyota Highlander (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Opel Astra. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Opel Astra. 2012 Toyota Highlander 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 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Opel Astra | 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Opel | Toyota |
| Model | Astra | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1364 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 187 HP |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 73 L |
