BMW 3 series 2001 vs Opel Astra 2004
| Gearbox: | Manual | Manual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 1.8 Petrol | 1.6 Petrol | |
| Camshaft drive: | Timing chain | Timing belt | |
| 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: | 116 HP | 105 HP | |
| Torque: | 175 NM | 150 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 11 seconds | 12.3 seconds | |
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BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 11 HP more power than Opel Astra, whereas torque is 25 NM more than Opel Astra. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 1.3 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 6.9 | 6.5 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 8.2 l/100km | 7.3 l/100km | |
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The Opel Astra is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 3 series consumes 0.4 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Opel Astra, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the BMW 3 series could require 60 litres more fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 0.9 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Opel Astra. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 litres | 52 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 910 km in combined cycle | 800 km in combined cycle | |
| 1180 km on highway | 960 km on highway | ||
| 760 km with real consumption | 710 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) | |
| Front-wheel drive cars (Opel Astra) have better traction on slippery roads and when climbing hills, better fuel economy, and are less expensive to purchase. On the disadvantage side, FWD cars usually have less towing capacity, poorer acceleration and harder handling. Rear-wheel drive cars (BMW 3 series) have better handling on dry roads, better acceleration, more even weight distribution and more fun to drive. RWD is also better for towing large loads. The cons of rear-wheel drive are less interior and trunk space and more difficulty maneuvering in wet and snowy conditions. | |||
Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 350'000 km | 420'000 km | |
| Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used, but under equal conditions the average life of a Opel Astra engine could be longer. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 6 years | 7 years | |
| Engine spread: | Used only for this car | Installed on at least 3 other car models, including Opel Zafira, Opel Vectra, Opel Meriva | |
| In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. Opel Astra might be a better choice in this respect. | |||
| Hydraulic tappets: | yes | no | |
| The BMW 3 series engine has hydraulic tappets (lifters), providing quieter operation and no need for periodic adjustment, but they are more complex in design and can cause serious engine damage in case of failure. | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.26 m | 4.25 m | |
| Width: | 1.75 m | 1.75 m | |
| Height: | 1.41 m | 1.46 m | |
| BMW 3 series is 1 cm longer than the Opel Astra, width is practically the same , while the height of BMW 3 series is 5 cm lower. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 310 litres | 380 litres | |
| Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down |
1100 litres | 1330 litres | |
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Opel Astra has more luggage space. Despite its longer length, BMW 3 series has 70 litres less trunk space than the Opel Astra. This could mean that the BMW 3 series uses more space in the cabin, so the driver and passengers could be more spacious and comfortable. The maximum boot capacity (with all rear seats folded down) is larger in Opel Astra (by 230 litres). | |||
| Turning diameter: | 10 meters | 10.5 meters | |
| The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 0.5 metres less than that of the Opel Astra, which means BMW 3 series can be easier to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 1`800 | 1`740 | |
| Safety: | |||
| Quality: | low | above average | |
| Opel Astra has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data BMW 3 series has serious deffects in 25 percent more cases than Opel Astra, so Opel Astra quality is probably significantly better | |||
| Average price (€): | 2200 | 1400 | |
| Rating in user reviews: | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
BMW 3 sērija has
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Opel Astra has
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