2003 Mazda Tribute vs. 2004 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda Tribute. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda Tribute would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda Tribute is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Sharan (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Tribute. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Tribute. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 243 kg more than 2003 Mazda Tribute. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mazda Tribute is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Volkswagen Sharan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Tribute will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Volkswagen Sharan (210 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Tribute. (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Tribute.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Tribute | 2004 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tribute | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1668 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
