Performance Review: Vauxhall-Opel Astra GSi 2.0 16v - [1997]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Vauxhall-Opel Astra Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Vauxhall-Opel Astra GSi 2.0 16v is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1997. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1997 TVR Speed 12 7.7L V12 and the 1997 McLaren F1 GT 6.1 V12.This particular Vauxhall-Opel Astra has a 1998cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders in a St formation.

Alternative Petrol St4's includes the 2019 Ariel Atom 4 2.0 Turbo

The Astra shares its Petrol St4 engine configuration with the likes of the 2019 Ariel Atom 4 2.0 Turbo and the 2013 Caterham 7 620 R 2.0 L Supercharged. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Astra's Front Wheel Drive, Hatchback combination then how about the 2022 Volkswagen-VW Golf R Performance 2.0 Turbo or the 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD 3.5 V6.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1145 kgs (2524 lbs) this makes the Vauxhall-Opel Astra GSi 2.0 16v in the same weight category as the 2019 Lotus Exige Sport 350 3.5 V6 or the give or take 50kg.

The Vauxhall-Opel Astra shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (134 bhp)

In terms of power the 1998cc 16V St4 engine produces 134 bhp (99 kW) @ 5600 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (134 bhp) or the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (148 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated St4 throws out 139 lb-ft (188.4 Nm) @ 3200 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (162 lb-ft) or the 2016 Ford Fiesta ST 200 1.6 Turbo (159 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Vauxhall-Opel Astra you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1999 BMW Z3 2.8i Roadster (141.9 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Vauxhall-Opel Astra.

The Vauxhall-Opel Astra has a Power to weight ratio of 117.0 bhp per ton and 121.3 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1997 Astra competing with the 1999 BMW Z3 2.8i Roadster (141.9 bhp per ton) or the 1988 Volkswagen-VW Corrado G60 (141.7 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Vauxhall-Opel Astra generating around 121.3 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1953 Austin-Healey 100 BN1 (146.3 lb-ft per ton) or the 1998 Honda NSX 3.0 V6 Auto (146.1 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 8.70 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 9.0 secs, this made the Vauxhall-Opel Astra GSi 2.0 16v as fast as the 2017 Ford Fiesta 1.5 TDCi ST-Line 120 (8.70 secs) the 2011 Renault Twingo 1.6 133 Renaultsport Cup (8.70 secs) the 2009 Peugeot RCZ 2.0 HDi 200 GT (8.70 secs) the or the 2003 Lancia Thesis 3.2 V6 24v Comfortronic (8.70 secs). This Vauxhall-Opel Astra GSi 2.0 16v is also faster than the 2013 Vauxhall-Opel Zafira Tourer CDTi BiTurbo (8.80 secs) the the 2002 Toyota Camry 3.0 V6 (8.80 secs) the and the 2000 Mitsubishi FTO 2.0 GPX (8.80 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Astra and the 1989 Mercedes SL Class 500SL R129

When talking about the performance of the Vauxhall-Opel Astra on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 16.48 secs @ 83.0 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1989 Mercedes SL Class 500SL R129 (16.40 secs), the 1977 Porsche 928 4.5 V8 (16.42 secs), and the 2006 Seat Leon 1.8 20vt Cupra R 210 (16.42 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1997 version of the Vauxhall-Opel Astra GSi 2.0 16v has a maximum speed of 129mph.

Top Speed of the 1997 Astra equals the 2021 BMW i4 M50 (140 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1997 Vauxhall-Opel Astra GSi 2.0 16v then how about the 2021 BMW i4 M50 (140 mph), the 2020 Abarth 695 70th Anniversario 1.4 Turbo (140 mph), or the 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (140 mph).

Related Links:

1997 Astra Rivals List.

A Brief History of Vauxhall-Opel

Car Comparison