2005 Land Rover Defender 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 Land Rover Defender. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Land Rover Defender would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Routan is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 26 kg more than 2005 Land Rover Defender.
Because 2005 Land Rover Defender 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 Land Rover Defender 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 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Land Rover Defender. (300 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Routan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Land Rover Defender. 2012 Volkswagen Routan has automatic transmission and 2005 Land Rover Defender has manual transmission. 2005 Land Rover Defender will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Routan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Land Rover Defender | 2012 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Land Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | Defender | Routan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 3600 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 283 HP |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 9 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2058 kg | 2084 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3078 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 78 L |
