1997 Ford Probe vs. 2004 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Probe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Probe would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Probe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Probe (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Sharan. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Probe should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 150 kg more than 1997 Ford Probe.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Sharan is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Ford Probe. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Sharan will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Volkswagen Sharan (316 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Probe. (172 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Probe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Probe | 2004 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Probe | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1740 mm |
