1997 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 398 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Sharan.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Sharan is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan (265 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | 2006 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | E | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1162 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
