2008 Audi A3 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Audi A3 would be higher. At 2,000 cc, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan (1,973 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1869 more horse power than 2008 Audi A3. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 2008 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 430 kg more than 2008 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Audi A3. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Audi A3. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan has automatic transmission and 2008 Audi A3 has manual transmission. 2008 Audi A3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A3 | 2012 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Audi | Volkswagen |
| Model | A3 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 1973 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.4 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2919 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.1 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
