1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1988 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK (215 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (90 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 200 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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 SLK (316 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (142 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SLK | Passat |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3199 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 316 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2630 mm |
