2011 Opel Astra vs. 2012 BMW 320
To start off, 2012 BMW 320 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Opel Astra would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 320 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2011 Opel Astra. (139 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2011 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Opel Astra weights approximately 135 kg more than 2012 BMW 320.
Because 2012 BMW 320 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 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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 320 (270 Nm @ 1250 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Opel Astra. (175 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Opel Astra | 2012 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Opel | BMW |
| Model | Astra | 320 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.5 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.2 seconds | 7.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1625 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 57 L |
