2008 Mercedes-Benz R 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 R. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz R would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Sharan. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 578 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz R.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz R is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 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 (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Sharan. (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Sharan. 2008 Mercedes-Benz R 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 R will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz R | 2011 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | R | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1723 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3220 mm | 2919 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.9 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.8 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
