1997 Toyota Corolla vs. 2012 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Routan is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Routan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Routan (283 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 873 kg more than 1997 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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, 2012 Volkswagen Routan (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (145 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Routan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Toyota Corolla | 2012 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corolla | Routan |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1165 kg | 2038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 5144 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1953 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 3078 mm |
