1996 Honda Step Wagon vs. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Step Wagon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Step Wagon would be higher. At 2,000 cc, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1996 Honda Step Wagon. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Step Wagon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 344 kg more than 1996 Honda Step Wagon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Honda Step Wagon is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Step Wagon 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 Volkswagen Sharan (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Step Wagon. (185 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Step Wagon. 1996 Honda Step Wagon has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Sharan has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Honda Step Wagon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Step Wagon | 2012 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Step Wagon | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1972 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1794 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2919 mm |
