2004 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (169 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 50 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (350 Nm). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Volkswagen Passat | 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Passat | E |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 65 L |
