2009 Saturn Astra vs. 2011 BMW 125
To start off, 2011 BMW 125 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Saturn Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Saturn Astra would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2009 Saturn Astra. (136 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 2009 Saturn Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 125 weights approximately 46 kg more than 2009 Saturn Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 125 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 BMW 125. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2011 BMW 125 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Saturn Astra. (125 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Saturn Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Saturn Astra | 2011 BMW 125 | |
| Make | Saturn | BMW |
| Model | Astra | 125 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 53 L |
