1984 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL (335 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 282 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 1380 kg more than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL (459 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 358 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. (101 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL has automatic transmission and 1984 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1984 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Volkswagen Passat | 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Passat | GL |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1045 kg | 2425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5098 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1989 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1839 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 3076 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 100 L |
