2003 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,964 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 507 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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 S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4964 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 10.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 1368 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 62 L |
