2005 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2003 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (215 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Sharan. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 16 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Sharan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Volkswagen Sharan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (310 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Sharan. (210 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Sharan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | 2003 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | C | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3199 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1674 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
