2012 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (536 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 423 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Sharan. (113 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 458 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Sharan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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 S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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 S (799 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 519 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Sharan. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Sharan. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen Sharan has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | 2011 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5500 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 536 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 799 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 1772 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1872 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1473 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3165 mm | 2919 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 4.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
