1990 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (164 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (158 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 10 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S.
Because 1990 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Passat |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2599 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4771 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2712 mm |
