2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 5,438 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 395 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 710 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 560 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | CLS | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5438 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 469 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1920 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1620 mm |
