2008 Saturn Astra vs. 2009 BMW 325
To start off, 2009 BMW 325 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Saturn Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Saturn Astra would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 325 (194 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2008 Saturn Astra. (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 2008 Saturn Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 325 weights approximately 311 kg more than 2008 Saturn Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 325 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 2009 BMW 325. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Saturn 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, 2009 BMW 325 (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Saturn Astra. (171 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Saturn Astra. 2009 BMW 325 has automatic transmission and 2008 Saturn Astra has manual transmission. 2008 Saturn Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 325 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Saturn Astra | 2009 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Saturn | BMW |
| Model | Astra | 325 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 61 L |
