2012 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2001 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (454 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 306 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Sharan. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 15 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 390 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Sharan. (210 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Sharan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | 2001 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | C | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6200 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 454 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4724 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1796 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2766 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 70 L |
