2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 335 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (158 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 267 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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 SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 550 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 8.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
