2008 Mercedes-Benz R vs. 1999 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R (187 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Sharan. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz R weights approximately 580 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Sharan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz R is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Volkswagen Sharan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R will offer significantly more control. 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 R (440 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Sharan. (210 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Sharan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz R | 1999 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | R | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2987 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.7:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2250 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
