2005 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 2008 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz A would be higher. At 1,897 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Sharan. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 163 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Sharan is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 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 (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. (185 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz A | 2008 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | A | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.6 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 198 km/hour | 178 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.8 seconds | 14.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3610 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.7 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
