2005 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (190 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 342 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm) has 321 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (279 Nm). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Passat | CLS |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2770 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1548 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.6 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.9 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 80 L |
