2005 Dodge Nitro vs. 2012 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Routan is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Dodge Nitro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Dodge Nitro would be higher. At 3,704 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Routan (283 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2005 Dodge Nitro. (208 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 2005 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 173 kg more than 2005 Dodge Nitro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Routan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Dodge Nitro 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 Routan (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Dodge Nitro. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Routan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Dodge Nitro.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Dodge Nitro | 2012 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Nitro | Routan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3704 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1865 kg | 2038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5144 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1953 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 3078 mm |
