2003 Volvo V50 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 Volvo V50. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volvo V50 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 149 more horse power than 2003 Volvo V50. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 2003 Volvo V50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 646 kg more than 2003 Volvo V50. 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, 2011 Volkswagen Routan (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volvo V50. (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Routan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volvo V50. 2011 Volkswagen Routan has automatic transmission and 2003 Volvo V50 has manual transmission. 2003 Volvo V50 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 Volvo V50 | 2011 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Volvo | Volkswagen |
| Model | V50 | Routan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1438 kg | 2084 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 5144 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1953 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 3078 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.6 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.6 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 78 L |
