[Echo3]

Title sounds daft doesn't it. How can an Astra make a better tow car than a V70?

I have access to a Caravan, have never towed before and I'm not sure which car to use.

I have an old 1997 V70 2.5 20v SE petrol, the official kerb weight according to Parkers is 1,415Kg. I also have a 2005 Astra 1.7 cdti diesel that I use for work, and according to Parkers the kerb weight is 1,347 Kg, only 68Kg less? The legal limit of the Astra is 1,400 Kg compared to 1,600 Kg for the Volvo. But the van only weighs a bit over 1,200 Kg, as I will not have it fully loaded.

Added to that the Astra has 177 lb/ft of torque to the Volvo's 166 lb/ft (when it was new!). Added to that the Astra gets me over 50mpg when not towing compared to 30mpg for the Volvo.

I'm having a hard time believing that the difference in weight is only 68Kg, but maybe someone here can put me straight? The only thing I can think of is that Vauxhall have included the fuel/driver etc as per Euro legislation, and the Volvo figure may exclude that? If that is the case then the *euro* kerb weight would be 1,535 Kg - 188 Kg more than the Astra might make a significant difference.

Am I crazy considering towing a caravan with an Astra instead of using my V70? Any advice out there or anyone know if the Volvo number includes the driver and fuel?

What about other differences, like wheelbase and strength?

I know the one BIG difference is that my Volvo has a Soul, and my Astra is just a machine.

Cheers,