The Nautique 210 2012 is a deep-V design and the Nautique Super Air Nautique 210 2008 is a modified-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Nautique 210 2012 at 21,0 ft versus Nautique Super Air Nautique 210 2008 at 21,0 ft. At 3 900 lbs and 3 800 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class - either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 450 hp, the Nautique 210 2012 has a 60-hp advantage over the Nautique Super Air Nautique 210 2008's 390-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 40 gal and 40 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Nautique 210 2012 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Nautique Super Air Nautique 210 2008 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Nautique 210 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Nautique 210 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 12 passengers and at 21,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Nautique Super Air Nautique 210 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 10 that costs less to run day-to-day.