1998 BMW 318 vs. 1996 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 318 (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. (113 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 321 kg more than 1998 BMW 318.
Because 1998 BMW 318 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Sharan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1998 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Sharan has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Sharan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1996 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 318 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1716 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
