2003 Holden Astra vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Holden Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Holden Astra would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (252 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 2003 Holden Astra. (120 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2003 Holden Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 358 kg more than 2003 Holden Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Holden Astra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (329 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Holden Astra. (165 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Holden Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Holden Astra | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Holden | Volkswagen |
| Model | Astra | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4212 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2578 mm |
