1997 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (536 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 413 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 880 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (799 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 631 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Passat | 2011 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Passat | S |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 536 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 799 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 2230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
