2003 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (174 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 370 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | E | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
