2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2001 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,003 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Passat (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 90 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2001 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2001 Volkswagen Passat (370 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2001 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Passat |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3724 cc | 4003 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
