The Japan Railway's Shinkansen (Hayabusa Series) edges out the Renfe AVE (S-106 Series) due to its superior punctuality and focus on passenger comfort, particularly in the Green Car and GranClass. While both trains offer modern amenities and prioritize environmental impact, the Shinkansen's reputation for on-time performance and quieter ride gives it an advantage. Renfe AVE, however, offers a more extensive route network, including international destinations, and provides power outlets at every seat.
| Attribute | Renfe AVE (S-106 Series) | Japan Railway's Shinkansen (Hayabusa Series) |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Speed | 330 km/h (design), 300 km/h (service), 360 km/h (testing) | 320 km/h on the Tohoku Shinkansen line, 260 km/h on the Hokkaido Shinkansen. During testing, it reached 400 km/h. |
| Seating Capacity | AVE service: 507 seats, Avlo service: 581 seats, Other sources mention over 500 seats and 521 seats. | 731 passengers (658 ordinary, 55 Green Class, 18 GranClass) |
| Seat Comfort | Standard class: 3+2 seating arrangement, Comfort class: 2+2 seating arrangement, Reclining seats are available in both classes, Some seats face each other over a table. | Ordinary Class: Comfortable with ample legroom. Green Car: Slightly larger seats and more legroom, 2x2 configuration. GranClass: Luxury seating with considerable legroom, 2x1 configuration, significant recline, electronically adjustable footrests. |
| Onboard Amenities | Free Wi-Fi (PlayRenfe network), Power outlets at all seats (European 2-pin type), Caf é-bar, Entertainment system. | Wi-Fi: Available, but spotty in tunnels/mountains. Power Outlets: Available at most window seats and in Green Cars. Gran Class seats have personal power outlets. |
| Accessibility Features | Designed with accessibility in mind, Minimum of 6 ground-level doors, Designated spaces for wheelchairs, Accessible restrooms. | Wheelchair access with ramps, accessible restrooms, designated wheelchair spaces and private rooms (advance booking required). |
| Luggage Storage Space | Overhead racks for backpacks and medium-sized suitcases, Floor-standing racks at the car ends for larger suitcases, Areas for bicycles, buggies, and bulky luggage. | Overhead space for small carry-ons, racks at the end of cars for larger luggage. |
| Noise Level | Some passengers have complained about vibrations and noise, especially on variable gauge trains. | Designed for reduced noise levels with low-noise pantographs, bogie covers, long nose, Full active suspension (FSA), and body tilting system. |
| Punctuality Record | Initial services experienced incidents and delays, but punctuality has reportedly improved over time. | Average train delay is less than one minute per year. |
| Ticket Pricing Structure | Various ticket types are available, including single, return, and group tickets, 'Básico' (Basic) tickets are the most affordable but have restrictions on exchanges and cancellations, 'Elige' tickets allow customization, including seat type (Estándar or Confort). | Varies depending on distance, season, and class. Japan Rail Pass covers the Hayabusa, but seat reservations are mandatory. |
| Route Coverage | Madrid-Galicia (Vigo, Pontevedra, Vilagarcía, Santiago, A Coruña), Madrid-Asturias (Oviedo, Gijón), Madrid-Barcelona, Also serves cities in Castile and Leon (Zamora, Segovia, León, Palencia, Valladolid), International routes to France (Barcelona-Lyon, Madrid-Marseille). | Tohoku Shinkansen line (Tokyo to Aomori), Hokkaido Shinkansen (extends to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto). |
| Frequency of Service | Eleven trains per day on the Galicia-Madrid route, Six daily frequencies (three in each direction) on the international route connecting 17 cities in Spain and France. | Multiple trains daily between Tokyo and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto. Some services between Sendai and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto. |
| Environmental Impact | Electric trains certified carbon-neutral, Lower carbon footprint compared to cars or planes, Energy-efficient driving systems and regenerative braking, Renfe aims for zero carbon emissions by 2050. | Designed with energy efficiency, including regenerative braking. Lower CO2 emissions compared to air travel. |
| Wi-Fi | Free Wi-Fi (PlayRenfe network) | Available, but spotty in tunnels/mountains |
| Power Outlets | Power outlets at all seats (European 2-pin type) | Available at most window seats and in Green Cars. Gran Class seats have personal power outlets. |