1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (323 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 540 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (450 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
