1996 Volkswagen Sharan vs. 2011 Opel Astra
To start off, 2011 Opel Astra is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Opel Astra (138 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. (113 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 438 kg more than 2011 Opel Astra.
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, 2011 Opel Astra (175 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volkswagen Sharan | 2011 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Opel |
| Model | Sharan | Astra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1716 kg | 1278 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |
