1996 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 50 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz E 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. 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 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. (190 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | E | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 198 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.2 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4771 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.2 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.5 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
