1. Branding: Opel Astra is a European brand primarily sold in countries outside the United States. Saturn, on the other hand, is an American brand that was discontinued in 2010.
2. Model Variants: The Opel Astra was offered in various body styles, including hatchback, sedan, and station wagon versions. The 2008 Saturn cars consisted of the Astra-based Saturn Astra sedan and Astra-based Saturn VUE crossover SUV.
3. Design: While both vehicles share similar underlying platforms, they have some exterior styling differences. The Opel Astra typically displayed the signature Opel styling cues, whereas the Saturn models had the Saturn-specific front end and emblem.
4. Engines and Performance: There were some variations in engine options and overall performance between the Opel Astra and Saturn vehicles.
- Opel Astra had engine options of either 1.4L, 1.6L, 1.8L 4-cylinder gasoline engines, or a 1.3L turbodiesel in Europe. Its horsepower spanned from 90 hp to 140 hp.
- Saturn Astra Sedan also shared these engine options and power ranges in America.
- Saturn VUE offered options like a 2.4L four-cylinder engine and a 3.5L V6. Power ratings ranged from 164 hp to 257 hp.
5. Features and Options: Some variations existed in equipment, features, and optional extras available in both vehicles depending on trim levels and regional specifications. These could include options for safety features, comfort equipment, and entertainment systems.
6. Availability: As mentioned earlier, the Opel Astra was sold in international markets, while the Saturn models were primarily available in the North American market until Saturn's discontinuation.
Overall, while the Opel Astra and Saturn cars may have underlying similarities due to the shared GM platform, there were key differences in branding, specific model variants, styling, engines, and market availability.
