2008 BMW 320 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Sharan. (113 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 95 kg more than 2008 BMW 320.
Because 2008 BMW 320 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 2008 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 2008 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Sharan. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Sharan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 1997 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 320 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
