2005 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2011 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Routan is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Routan (283 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 209 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Routan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (401 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Routan. (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Routan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | 2011 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Routan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4266 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 2084 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 5144 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1953 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3078 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 78 L |
