1981 Plymouth Horizon vs. 1996 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Plymouth Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Plymouth Horizon would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volkswagen Sharan (113 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. (62 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 716 kg more than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Volkswagen Sharan (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. (115 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Plymouth Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Plymouth Horizon | 1996 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Horizon | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1715 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1716 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2840 mm |
