2006 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (207 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (149 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 183 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | C | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.1 seconds | 7.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1537 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
