Opel Astra OPC

Opel Astra OPC: Which Version Should You Buy?

The Opel Astra OPC version to choose depends on whether you prioritize maximum performance, lower weight, or the Cabrio body. The strongest option in the supplied data is the 2012–2015 2.0 MT, with 280 hp, 400 Nm, a 6.0-second 0–100 km/h time, and a 250 km/h top speed.

The Opel Astra OPC version to choose depends on whether you prioritize maximum performance, lower weight, or the Cabrio body. The strongest option in the supplied data is the 2012–2015 2.0 MT, with 280 hp, 400 Nm, a 6.0-second 0–100 km/h time, and a 250 km/h top speed. The 2005–2010 2.0 MT is lighter at 1,320 kg and still delivers 240 hp, while the 1999–2002 2.0 MT has the lowest kerb weight at 1,240 kg but also the least power at 160 hp. The 2002–2004 restyled first generation is the only Cabrio entry and offers several 2.0 MT specifications rated at either 192 or 200 hp. Purchase price, engine price, reliability, engine code, and current availability are not measured in the data, so they cannot determine the recommendation.

Opel Astra OPC generations compared

The first generation ran from 1999 to 2002 as a Hatchback 3-door with one version, the 2.0 MT. Its naturally aspirated 1,998 cc Gasoline engine produces 160 hp and 188 Nm. This is the least powerful Astra OPC listed, but its 1,240 kg kerb weight is also the lowest. At 7.75 kg per horsepower, it offers a substantially higher weight-to-power burden than every later specification.

The first-generation restyling ran from 2002 to 2004 and changed the listed body to Cabrio. It contains five database entries, all named 2.0 MT, so they must be distinguished by power and performance. Three entries produce 192 hp, while two produce 200 hp. All use a Turbo 1,998 cc Gasoline engine, a 5-speed Manual gearbox, and FWD. Depending on the exact entry, kerb weight ranges from 1,250 to 1,385 kg and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h ranges from 7.5 to 8.0 seconds.

The second generation ran from 2005 to 2010 as a Hatchback 3-door with one 2.0 MT version. Output rises to 240 hp and 320 Nm, while the kerb weight is 1,320 kg. Its 6.4-second 0–100 km/h time places it much closer to the third generation than any first-generation entry. It also introduces a 6-speed Manual gearbox in the supplied range.

The third generation ran from 2012 to 2018 as a Hatchback 3-door with one listed modification, although that 2.0 MT modification itself is dated from 2012 to 2015. It produces 280 hp and 400 Nm and reaches 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds. At 1,550 kg, it is the heaviest entry, but its greater output gives it 5.54 kg per horsepower, almost identical to the second generation’s 5.50 kg per horsepower.

Opel Astra OPC engine specs

Every version uses a 1,998 cc Gasoline engine with 4 Inline cylinders and 4 valves per cylinder. The original 1999–2002 2.0 MT has no boost; every later entry uses Turbo. The later cars therefore provide a clear numerical step in output: 160 hp initially, 192–200 hp after the first-generation restyling, 240 hp in the second generation, and 280 hp in the third.

Power per litre makes the progression easy to compare. The 1999–2002 2.0 MT produces approximately 80.1 hp per litre. The restyled first-generation 2.0 MT entries produce approximately 96.1 hp per litre with 192 hp or 100.1 hp per litre with 200 hp. The second-generation 2.0 MT reaches approximately 120.1 hp per litre, while the third-generation 2.0 MT leads at approximately 140.1 hp per litre.

Performance and fuel economy

The third-generation 2.0 MT is the quickest and fastest choice. Compared with the second-generation 2.0 MT, it adds 40 hp and 80 Nm, reduces the 0–100 km/h time by 0.4 seconds, and raises top speed by 6 km/h. Despite weighing 230 kg more, its combined consumption is 1.1 L/100 km lower.

Among the Cabrio entries, the 1,250 kg specifications are the quickest at 7.5 seconds, whether rated at 192 or 200 hp. The 192 hp, 1,385 kg 2.0 MT has the highest Cabrio top speed at 242 km/h, although it has the slowest Cabrio acceleration time at 8.0 seconds. CO₂ emissions are not measured for the 1999–2010 entries. The third-generation 2.0 MT records 189 g/km and Euro 5.

Opel Astra OPC weight, clearance, tank, and wheels

Dimensions such as length, width, height, and wheelbase are not measured in the supplied data. Ground clearance is identical across every version at 130 mm, so it does not provide a reason to select one generation over another.

The third-generation 2.0 MT carries 4 L more fuel than the earlier entries. It is 230 kg heavier than the second-generation car and 310 kg heavier than the original model. Its listed wheel choices are 245/40 R19 and 245/35 R20; wheel sizes for all earlier entries are not measured.

Which Opel Astra OPC version should you choose?

Choose the 2012–2015 2.0 MT if outright performance is the priority. Its 280 hp, 400 Nm, 6.0-second acceleration time, and 250 km/h top speed are the best figures in the data. It also has the lowest listed consumption at 10.8 L/100 km in the city, 6.5 L/100 km on the highway, and 8.1 L/100 km combined.

Choose the 2005–2010 2.0 MT if you want the strongest numerical balance between weight and performance. It weighs 1,320 kg, only 80 kg more than the original 2.0 MT, yet adds 80 hp and 132 Nm. Its 5.50 kg per horsepower is marginally better than the third generation’s 5.54 kg per horsepower, while its 6.4-second 0–100 km/h time is only 0.4 seconds slower.

Choose a 2002–2004 2.0 MT specifically when the Cabrio body matters. Of the entries with equal 1,250 kg kerb weights and identical 7.5-second acceleration, the 200 hp version provides 8 hp more than the 192 hp version without a recorded penalty in top speed or consumption. On the supplied figures, that makes the 200 hp, 1,250 kg 2.0 MT the clearest Cabrio choice.

Choose the 1999–2002 2.0 MT mainly for its 1,240 kg kerb weight or its non-turbo engine specification. It trails the third-generation car by 120 hp and 212 Nm and requires 2.2 seconds longer to reach 100 km/h. Because purchase prices, reliability records, engine codes, repair costs, and cars for sale are not measured, this comparison cannot say whether its lower performance is offset by a lower cost of ownership.