2004 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 2008 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz A would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 525 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Sharan is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan 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, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan (265 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. (140 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz A | 2008 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | A | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.6 seconds | 10.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3840 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
