1997 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 550 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, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2006 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1389 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2850 mm |
