2009 BMW X3 vs. 1996 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2009 BMW X3 is newer by 13 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW X3 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. (113 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW X3 weights approximately 120 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.
Because 2009 BMW X3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 BMW X3 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, 2009 BMW X3 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW X3 | 1996 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | X3 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1836 kg | 1716 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 70 L |
