2008 Nissan X-Trail 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 Nissan X-Trail. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Nissan X-Trail 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 149 more horse power than 2008 Nissan X-Trail. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 2008 Nissan X-Trail. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 438 kg more than 2008 Nissan X-Trail. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Nissan X-Trail 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, 2008 Nissan X-Trail 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 2008 Nissan X-Trail. (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Routan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Nissan X-Trail. 2012 Volkswagen Routan has automatic transmission and 2008 Nissan X-Trail has manual transmission. 2008 Nissan X-Trail 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 Nissan X-Trail | 2012 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | X-Trail | Routan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2184 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 | 300 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 2038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 5144 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1953 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3078 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 78 L |
