2012 Volkswagen Routan vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Routan is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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 96 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. (187 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 369 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Routan. (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Routan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Routan | 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Routan | E |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 283 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6350 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 352 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Flex Fuel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2084 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5144 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1953 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3078 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 65 L |
