2003 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2013 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 10 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 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. (242 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 427 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (560 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | 2013 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 11.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1563 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4868 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1487 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2803 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
