2002 Volkswagen Sharan vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Sharan (150 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz E. (136 HP @ 2600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 65 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen Sharan.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (360 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Sharan. (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Sharan. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2002 Volkswagen Sharan has manual transmission. 2002 Volkswagen Sharan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Volkswagen Sharan | 2011 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sharan | E |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1735 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
