1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 406 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 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 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1510 mm |
