2008 Volkswagen Sharan vs. 2011 Audi A3
To start off, 2011 Audi A3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Audi A3 (140 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Sharan. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Audi A3 weights approximately 187 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Sharan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Sharan is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Audi A3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan 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, 2011 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Sharan. (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2011 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Sharan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Sharan | 2011 Audi A3 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Audi |
| Model | Sharan | A3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1318 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1422 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 5.9 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
