1997 BMW 850 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan (1,973 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1644 more horse power than 1997 BMW 850. (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 155 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Sharan.
Because 1997 BMW 850 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 1997 BMW 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Sharan. (280 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Sharan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2011 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 1973 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2919 mm |
