2009 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Opel Astra
To start off, 2011 Opel Astra is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Opel Astra (138 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Opel Astra weights approximately 31 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Opel Astra. (175 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Opel Astra. 2009 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2011 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2011 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Opel |
| Model | Golf | Astra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.3 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1247 kg | 1278 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.8 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 52 L |
