1996 Opel Astra vs. 2000 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Opel Astra would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Volkswagen Sharan (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1996 Opel Astra. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1996 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 520 kg more than 1996 Opel Astra. 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, 2000 Volkswagen Sharan (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Opel Astra. (170 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2000 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Opel Astra | 2000 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Astra | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2850 mm |
