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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (129 HP @ 5500 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 69 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, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (185 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 2013 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK has manual transmission. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 2013 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | CLK | Passat |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1569 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4868 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1487 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2803 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
