1996 Mazda Sentia vs. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda Sentia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda Sentia would be higher. At 2,954 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mazda Sentia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda Sentia (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Sharan. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda Sentia should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 102 kg more than 1996 Mazda Sentia.
Because 1996 Mazda Sentia 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 1996 Mazda Sentia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan, 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, 1996 Mazda Sentia (245 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Sharan. (211 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda Sentia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Sharan. 1996 Mazda Sentia has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Sharan has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mazda Sentia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda Sentia | 2006 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sentia | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2954 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1566 kg | 1668 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2850 mm |
