2009 Opel Astra vs. 2011 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2011 Smart ForTwo is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Opel Astra would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Opel Astra (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 2011 Smart ForTwo. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 2011 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Opel Astra weights approximately 573 kg more than 2011 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Smart ForTwo 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 2011 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Opel Astra (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Opel Astra | 2011 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Opel | Smart |
| Model | Astra | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 2695 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 1867 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 33 L |
