2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 299 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 499 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS (701 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 461 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | CLS | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 469 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 701 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 20.1 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
