Engine chain usually needs to be replaced less often than the timing belt, but the cost of replacing the chain is usually higher. Chain motors are considered to be more reliable, but noisier and more vibration generating.
Performance
Power:
163 HP
150 HP
Torque:
340 NM
320 NM
Acceleration 0-100 km/h:
8.6 seconds
9.2 seconds
BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 13 HP more power than Opel Astra, whereas torque is 20 NM more than Opel Astra. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 0.6 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
5.9
6.1
Real fuel consumption:
6.5 l/100km
6.5 l/100km
By specification BMW 3 series consumes 0.2 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Opel Astra, which means that by driving the BMW 3 series over 15,000 km in a year you can save 30 litres of fuel.
Fuel tank capacity:
61 litres
52 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
1030 km in combined cycle
850 km in combined cycle
1320 km on highway
1000 km on highway
930 km with real consumption
800 km with real consumption
BMW 3 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
Drive type
Wheel drive type:
Rear wheel drive (RWD)
Front wheel drive (FWD)
Engines
Average engine lifespan:
390'000 km
420'000 km
Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used.
Engine production duration:
9 years
6 years
Engine spread:
Used also on BMW 1 sērija
Installed on at least 3 other car models, including Opel Zafira, Opel Vectra, Opel Signum
In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts.
Dimensions
Length:
4.52 m
4.52 m
Width:
1.82 m
1.75 m
Height:
1.44 m
1.50 m
BMW 3 series and Opel Astra are practically the same length.
Trunk capacity:
460 litres
540 litres
Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down
1385 litres
1590 litres
Opel Astra has more luggage space. BMW 3 series has 80 litres less trunk space than the Opel Astra. The maximum boot capacity (with all rear seats folded down) is larger in Opel Astra (by 205 litres).
Turning diameter:
11 meters
11.1 meters
The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 0.1 metres less than that of the Opel Astra.
BMW 3 series has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data Opel Astra has serious deffects in 10 percent more cases than BMW 3 series, so BMW 3 series quality is probably slightly better
