1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2003 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,786 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Sharan (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 569 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Volkswagen Sharan (210 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 2003 Volkswagen Sharan has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Sharan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2003 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1674 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
