2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 2005 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda Roadster would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda Roadster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda Roadster (157 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Sharan. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Roadster should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 670 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
Because 2003 Mazda Roadster 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 2003 Mazda Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Volkswagen Sharan (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (170 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 2005 Volkswagen Sharan has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda Roadster has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda Roadster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volkswagen Sharan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Roadster | 2005 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Roadster | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
