2008 Buick Lucerne vs. 1996 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2008 Buick Lucerne is newer by 12 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 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Buick Lucerne is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Buick Lucerne (275 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. (113 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Buick Lucerne should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Buick Lucerne weights approximately 230 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. 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, 2008 Buick Lucerne (400 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Buick Lucerne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. 2008 Buick Lucerne has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Sharan has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Sharan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Buick Lucerne will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Buick Lucerne | 1996 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Lucerne | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1946 kg | 1716 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
