2011 Nissan Xterra vs. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Nissan Xterra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Nissan Xterra would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 159 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Nissan Xterra 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 2011 Nissan Xterra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2011 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. 2011 Nissan Xterra has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Sharan has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Nissan Xterra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Nissan Xterra | 2012 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Xterra | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4000 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1882 kg | 1723 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4539 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1849 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1902 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2919 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
