2005 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 2001 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 303 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Passat. (190 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 365 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 520 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Passat. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2001 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL | 2001 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | CL | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 62 L |
