2004 Volkswagen Sharan vs. 2011 Audi A3
To start off, 2011 Audi A3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Audi A3 (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Sharan. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Audi A3 weights approximately 80 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Sharan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Sharan is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Audi A3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen Sharan (316 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Audi A3. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Audi A3. 2011 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 2004 Volkswagen Sharan has manual transmission. 2004 Volkswagen Sharan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Volkswagen Sharan | 2011 Audi A3 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Audi |
| Model | Sharan | A3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 316 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1422 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
