2003 Chevrolet Astro vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 10 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Astro. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Astro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Astro weights approximately 570 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, 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 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Astro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Astro | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Astro | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4292 cc | 2000 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 | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 55 L |
