1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 9 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 4,973 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 127 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (190 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 582 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 2005 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 470 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2004 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3150 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
