2004 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 261 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Volkswagen Passat (326 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. (155 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. 2003 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2004 Mercedes-Benz A has manual transmission. 2004 Mercedes-Benz A will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz A | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | A | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1687 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.3 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1311 kg | 1572 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3840 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.5 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.6 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 62 L |
