2005 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (169 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 225 kg more than 2008 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 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 E (250 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | E | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
