1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 3,998 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (270 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. (185 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 315 kg more than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (370 Nm) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. (260 Nm). This means 2004 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 300 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 3998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.9 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.3 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 80 L |
