Honda Accord vs Opel Insignia
What do German automakers have that sets their vehicles apart from the rest? It’s the touch of luxury, excellent build and ride quality, and oftentimes, a hefty price tag. All of these features are quite the opposite of Japanese-made vehicles. Practicality, reliability and economy are the words that come to mind, but is that all there is to these vehicles, considering that the benchmark Honda Accord sedan has already been a Western brand for decades? Let’s find out by comparing two major brands: a European Opel Insignia and a Japanese Honda Accord, which are coming up!
First, we break down the data for each vehicle from the base Honda Accord LX. It has a 2.4L inline 4 that is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox and produces 177 horsepower at 6,500 rpm. This economical engine has a fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon for city and highway driving. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for this model starts at $21,765.
Offers 4-wheel ABS on ventilated disc brakes. In terms of curb weight, the Accord LX comes in at a slightly trimmer 3,230 lbs., backed by 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 215/60 all-season tires.
The base model of the Opel Insignia Essentia, on the other hand, starts at $32,126, and for that you get a front-wheel drive car, with a 1.8L inline-4 ECOTEC engine connected to a 6-speed manual. transmission, which can harness a maximum of 115hp at 5600rpm. Opel’s new engine can deliver a fuel economy of 28 mpg, even though the car is weighing 3,314 pounds. This weight rests on 16′ steel wheels, with 215/60 size radial tires.
Now standard equipment for the base Essentia model features the following: 4-wheel ABS with ventilated disc brakes; Front, side and window airbags; Isofix anchorage in the three rear seats; air conditioning; CD stereo system; electric mirrors; a 60/40 folding rear seat; on-board computer; electrically adjustable driver’s seat; and local lights front and rear, as well as ESP and traction control.
However, you have to remember that all of this data is for the entry-level models only, for both automakers, and things get a bit more sophisticated, more competitive, and more expensive as you go up the different trim levels. The Accord offers three different trim levels, namely the base LX, the upgraded EX, and the top of the line EX-L, which offers premium features such as leather upholstery and an optional navigation system.
As for the Opel Insignia, there are two body versions available for the sedan, hatchback or station wagon market, and four equipment variants, namely Essentia, Edition, Sport and Cosmo. It also comes with a wide range of seven engines: four petrol engines ranging from a 115hp 1.8L 4-cylinder unit to a 260hp 2.8L V6; and three new direct injection diesel engines, which feature a displacement of 2.0 liters and have outputs ranging from 110 to 160 hp. Although there is the high-performance Insignia OPC, with its turbocharged V6 engine, we’ll save that for another comparison test.
Some of the Opel Insignia’s features are “as European as they come”, and this alone sets it apart from the competition. The westernized Honda Accord LX doesn’t seem like a match for Opel at this point, but it still has additional aces for price and a solid market reputation. So if you’re looking for more luxurious touches in a car close to Opel’s price tag, get the Accord EX-L instead and some change for your wallet.
