1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (265 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 195 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (404 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 404 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2680 mm |
