1998 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 5,786 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL (367 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 293 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 745 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL (530 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 390 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Mercedes-Benz CL | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
Model | CL | Passat |
Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5786 cc | 1781 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 367 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 530 Nm | 140 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 86.4 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1210 kg |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1620 mm |