1998 Mazda Sentia vs. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda Sentia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda Sentia would be higher. At 2,954 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mazda Sentia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1998 Mazda Sentia. (159 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda Sentia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 192 kg more than 1998 Mazda Sentia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mazda Sentia 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 Mazda Sentia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan (265 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda Sentia. (245 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda Sentia. 1998 Mazda Sentia has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Sharan has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mazda Sentia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda Sentia | 2006 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sentia | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2954 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1752 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2850 mm |
