1986 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (164 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (134 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 189 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 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 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (195 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Passat |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2599 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.9 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2710 mm |
