1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1988 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 243 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 904 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (470 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 349 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (121 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1988 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1988 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
Model | S | Passat |
Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4973 cc | 1780 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 317 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 470 Nm | 121 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 2004 kg | 1100 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4580 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3150 mm | 2630 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 42 L |