2010 Opel Astra vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Opel Astra would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 2010 Opel Astra. (239 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2010 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 587 kg more than 2010 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 550 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 2012 BMW 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Opel Astra. (320 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Opel Astra. 2012 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 2010 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2010 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Opel Astra | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Opel | BMW |
| Model | Astra | 550 |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 239 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 70 L |
