2008 Dodge Nitro vs. 1988 Chevrolet Astro
To start off, 2008 Dodge Nitro is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Chevrolet Astro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Chevrolet Astro would be higher. At 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Chevrolet Astro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1988 Chevrolet Astro. (183 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1988 Chevrolet Astro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Chevrolet Astro weights approximately 535 kg more than 2008 Dodge Nitro.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear 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, 1988 Chevrolet Astro (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Dodge Nitro. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Chevrolet Astro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Dodge Nitro.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Nitro | 1988 Chevrolet Astro | |
| Make | Dodge | Chevrolet |
| Model | Nitro | Astro |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1988 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3699 cc | 4293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 183 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2830 mm |
