2006 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 1 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 376 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (134 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 714 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 2006 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 635 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (195 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.5 seconds | 9.9 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 | 2045 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 11.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.3 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
