2008 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (229 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Sharan. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 153 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz E.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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 Mercedes-Benz E (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Sharan. (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Sharan. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen Sharan has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | 2011 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | E | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 229 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 248 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.3 seconds | 10.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1723 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2919 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.3 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
