2009 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2003 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Sharan. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 1156 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Sharan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (250 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Sharan. (210 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Sharan. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen Sharan has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen Sharan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz E | 2003 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | E | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2830 kg | 1674 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
