2003 Honda Insight vs. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda Insight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda Insight would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg (280 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 213 more horse power than 2003 Honda Insight. (67 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 1297 kg more than 2003 Honda Insight. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Honda Insight. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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 Touareg (359 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Insight. (123 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Insight. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg has automatic transmission and 2003 Honda Insight has manual transmission. 2003 Honda Insight will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Insight | 2012 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Insight | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 995 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 2137 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4796 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1941 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1732 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2893 mm |
