Opel’s Astra OPC has no shortage of competitors when it comes to foreign market’s hot hatch segments, such as the Ford Focus ST and Volkswagen Golf GTI. However South African motoring show, Igniton Live, decided to put the OPC version of the three-door hatch up against some rather unusual competitors, the BMW M235i and the Subaru Impreza WRX STI.
It’s odd to see these three in the same comparison test due to their obvious differences. The M235i has BMW’s N55 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged inline-six producing 322 horsepower and 332 lb-ft and is rear wheel drive, while the all-wheel drive Subaru is powered by a four-cylinder boxer engine producing 322 horsepower and 331 lb-ft. The OPC, as you may know, produces 276 horsepower from its 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and sends all its power to the front wheels.
These cars may have three different engines sending power to three different sets of wheels, but we can see why they may be pitted against one another. If you’re in the market for a compact performance car, you may cross-shop these three vehicles and then decide which formula best fits your driving style and needs. The OPC is hitting above its weight in this comparo, but all things considered, it doesn’t fare too badly. Check out the test in the video below.
Comments
Cool, a video of a band…..
Wrong video, guys. The road test isn’t what’s coming up…
I fixed it Richard. Apologies.
ASTRA is not heavy.Examine and compare diligent.
http://www.upload.ee/image/4268510/891686_591909067505002_1503604819_o.jpg
Makes you wonder if the result would have been any different if they had used a Vauxhall Astra VXR with the UK suspension set up.
different suspension ? pleas talk
With very few exceptions the suspension settings for all Vauxhall models, including VXR, are tuned specifically for the UK by Vauxhalls Vehicle Dynamics Team at Millbrook proving ground. Lotus are also sometimes involved with VXR model chassis tuning.
interesting that a lot of it is better to track, for example, if one driver is driving a different machine