2008 Honda FR-V vs. 2012 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Routan is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Honda FR-V. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Honda FR-V would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Routan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Routan (283 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 2008 Honda FR-V. (123 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda FR-V. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 618 kg more than 2008 Honda FR-V. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Routan (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda FR-V. (154 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Routan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda FR-V. 2012 Volkswagen Routan has automatic transmission and 2008 Honda FR-V has manual transmission. 2008 Honda FR-V 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:
| 2008 Honda FR-V | 2012 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | FR-V | Routan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1668 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 154 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1466 kg | 2084 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5144 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1953 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3078 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 78 L |
