2006 Volkswagen Sharan vs. 2003 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 1,995 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Maxima (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Sharan. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 295 kg more than 2003 Nissan Maxima.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan Maxima. (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan Maxima. 2003 Nissan Maxima has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Sharan has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Nissan Maxima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Sharan | 2003 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Sharan | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2760 mm |
