1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport vs. 2012 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Routan is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport 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 100 more horse power than 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport. (183 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 334 kg more than 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport. 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 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport. (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Routan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport | 2012 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Trans Sport | Routan |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3348 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 2084 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 5144 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1953 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 3078 mm |
