2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 2013 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (215 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 148 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 SLK. 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, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (311 Nm). This means 2013 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 2013 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SLK | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3196 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1563 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4868 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1487 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2803 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
