2007 BMW Z4 vs. 1996 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2007 BMW Z4 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW Z4 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. (113 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 354 kg more than 2007 BMW Z4.
Because 2007 BMW Z4 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 2007 BMW Z4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2007 BMW Z4 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2007 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW Z4 | 1996 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | Z4 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 1716 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
