2003 Chevrolet Astro vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Chevrolet Astro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Chevrolet Astro would be higher. At 4,292 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Astro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Astro. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Astro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Astro weights approximately 505 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2003 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 2003 Chevrolet Astro. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2003 Chevrolet Astro (339 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Astro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Astro | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Astro | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4292 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 70 L |
