2002 Chevrolet Astro vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Chevrolet Astro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Chevrolet Astro would be higher. At 4,294 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Chevrolet Astro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (238 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2002 Chevrolet Astro. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2002 Chevrolet Astro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Chevrolet Astro weights approximately 402 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2002 Chevrolet Astro is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2002 Chevrolet Astro. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2002 Chevrolet Astro (339 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (320 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2002 Chevrolet Astro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Chevrolet Astro | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Astro | Golf |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4294 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 96 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 62 L |
