1999 Holden Astra vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Holden Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Holden Astra would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1999 Holden Astra. (120 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1999 Holden Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 545 kg more than 1999 Holden Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 520 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 2011 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Holden 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, 2011 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Holden Astra. (165 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Holden Astra. 2011 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1999 Holden Astra has manual transmission. 1999 Holden Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Holden Astra | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Holden | BMW |
| Model | Astra | 520 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2968 mm |
