2003 Chevrolet Astro vs. 2012 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Xterra is newer by 9 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, 2012 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Astro. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Astro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Astro weights approximately 71 kg more than 2012 Nissan Xterra.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Astro. (339 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Astro.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Astro | 2012 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Astro | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4292 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1879 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 80 L |
