2003 Opel Frontera vs. 2011 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Routan is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Opel Frontera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Opel Frontera would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Routan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Routan (283 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2003 Opel Frontera. (202 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Frontera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 364 kg more than 2003 Opel Frontera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Opel Frontera is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Volkswagen Routan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Opel Frontera 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, 2011 Volkswagen Routan (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Frontera. (290 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Routan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Frontera. 2011 Volkswagen Routan has automatic transmission and 2003 Opel Frontera has manual transmission. 2003 Opel Frontera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volkswagen Routan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Frontera | 2011 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Frontera | Routan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3165 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 2084 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 5144 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1953 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 3078 mm |
