2006 Mercedes-Benz GL vs. 2001 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL (384 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Passat. (270 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 780 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 GL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Passat. (370 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Passat. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2001 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL | 2001 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | GL | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5461 cc | 4003 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 384 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.5 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.6 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2445 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.9 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 80 L |
