2004 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 2007 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz A would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Passat (198 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 275 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, 2007 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. (140 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz A | 2007 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | A | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.2 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.6 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3840 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
