2002 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS (563 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 415 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen Passat. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS weights approximately 314 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS (649 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 408 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Passat. (241 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Volkswagen Passat | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Passat | SLS |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 563 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1307 kg | 1621 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4638 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1938 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1252 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 85 L |
