2002 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1988 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 14 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 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (90 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 480 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (142 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz E | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | E | Passat |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.4 seconds | 13.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2630 mm |
