2011 Volkswagen Routan vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Volkswagen Routan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Volkswagen Routan would be higher. At 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL (335 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Routan. (283 HP @ 6350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Routan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 341 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Routan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Volkswagen Routan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL 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 Mercedes-Benz GL (459 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Routan. (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Routan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Volkswagen Routan | 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Routan | GL |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 283 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6350 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 352 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2084 kg | 2425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5144 mm | 5098 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1953 mm | 1989 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3078 mm | 3076 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.4 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 100 L |
