1997 Dodge Sidewinder vs. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Dodge Sidewinder. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Dodge Sidewinder would be higher. At 8,000 cc (10 cylinders), 1997 Dodge Sidewinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Sidewinder (641 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 493 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Sidewinder should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 666 kg more than 1997 Dodge Sidewinder.
Because 1997 Dodge Sidewinder 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 Dodge Sidewinder. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 Dodge Sidewinder (719 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 479 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Dodge Sidewinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. 1997 Dodge Sidewinder 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. 1997 Dodge Sidewinder will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Sidewinder | 2012 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sidewinder | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8000 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 641 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 719 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 273 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1057 kg | 1723 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2919 mm |
