2004 Chevrolet Astro vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Astro is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 4,294 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Chevrolet Astro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Chevrolet Astro (190 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Chevrolet Astro should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Chevrolet Astro weights approximately 577 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Chevrolet Astro. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen New 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, 2004 Chevrolet Astro (339 Nm) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (220 Nm). This means 2004 Chevrolet Astro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chevrolet Astro | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Astro | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4294 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.8 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 102 L | 55 L |
