Opel Astra 2004 vs BMW 3 series 2001
| Gearbox: | Manual | Manual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 1.6 Petrol | 1.8 Petrol | |
| Camshaft drive: | Timing belt | Timing chain | |
| Timing belt usually needs to be replaced more often than the chain, but it is usually significantly cheaper. Timing belt motors are generally quieter and less vibrating than chain motors. | |||
Performance | |||
| Power: | 105 HP | 116 HP | |
| Torque: | 150 NM | 175 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 12.3 seconds | 11 seconds | |
|
BMW 3 series is a more dynamic driving. Opel Astra engine produces 11 HP less power than BMW 3 series, whereas torque is 25 NM less than BMW 3 series. Due to the lower power, Opel Astra reaches 100 km/h speed 1.3 seconds later. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 6.5 | 6.9 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 7.3 l/100km | 8.2 l/100km | |
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The Opel Astra is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification Opel Astra consumes 0.4 litres less fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series, which means that by driving the Opel Astra over 15,000 km in a year you can save 60 litres of fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, Opel Astra consumes 0.9 litres less fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 52 litres | 63 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 800 km in combined cycle | 910 km in combined cycle | |
| 960 km on highway | 1180 km on highway | ||
| 710 km with real consumption | 760 km with real consumption | ||
| BMW 3 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank. | |||
| Read the article "Fuel Efficiency: How to Reduce Fuel Consumption" to learn more about fuel economy. | |||
Drive type | |||
| Wheel drive type: | Front wheel drive (FWD) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) | |
| 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: | 420'000 km | 350'000 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: | 7 years | 6 years | |
| Engine spread: | Installed on at least 3 other car models, including Opel Zafira, Opel Vectra, Opel Meriva | Used only for this car | |
| 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: | no | yes | |
| 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: | 4.25 m | 4.26 m | |
| Width: | 1.75 m | 1.75 m | |
| Height: | 1.46 m | 1.41 m | |
| Opel Astra is 1 cm shorter than the BMW 3 series, width is practically the same , while the height of Opel Astra is 5 cm higher. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 380 litres | 310 litres | |
| Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down |
1330 litres | 1100 litres | |
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Opel Astra has more luggage capacity. Even though the car is shorter, Opel Astra has 70 litres more trunk space than the BMW 3 series. The BMW 3 series may have more interior space, so the cabin could be more spacious and more comfortable for the driver and passengers. The maximum boot capacity (with all rear seats folded down) is larger in Opel Astra (by 230 litres). | |||
| Turning diameter: | 10.5 meters | 10 meters | |
| The turning circle of the Opel Astra is 0.5 metres more than that of the BMW 3 series, which means Opel Astra can be harder to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 1`740 | 1`800 | |
| Safety: | |||
| Quality: | above average | low | |
| 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 (€): | 1200 | 2400 | |
| Rating in user reviews: | 7.5/10 | 7.9/10 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
Opel Astra has
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BMW 3 sērija has
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