2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2004 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 1 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 345 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Sharan. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 372 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 590 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Sharan. (210 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Sharan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2004 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 199 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 11.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1668 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
