2008 Pontiac G8 vs. 2011 Opel Astra
To start off, 2011 Opel Astra is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Pontiac G8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Pontiac G8 would be higher. At 5,967 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Pontiac G8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Pontiac G8 (362 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 224 more horse power than 2011 Opel Astra. (138 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Pontiac G8 should accelerate faster than 2011 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Pontiac G8 weights approximately 74 kg more than 2011 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Pontiac G8 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 2008 Pontiac G8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2008 Pontiac G8 (530 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 355 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Opel Astra. (175 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Pontiac G8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Pontiac G8 | 2011 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Pontiac | Opel |
| Model | G8 | Astra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5967 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1352 kg | 1278 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 52 L |
