2003 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2001 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Sharan (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 150 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz C 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 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz C (316 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Sharan. (210 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Sharan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz C | 2001 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | C | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 316 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 70 L |
