1997 Volkswagen Sharan vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Sharan. (113 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 365 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Sharan. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Sharan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Sharan | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sharan | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1894 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
