1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 2013 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK would be higher. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 8 kg more than 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 2013 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | CLK | Passat |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4266 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.8 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1563 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4868 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1487 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2803 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
