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 5,982 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (605 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 415 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (190 HP @ 4200 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 52 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 (1,001 Nm) has 722 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (279 Nm). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
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 | 5982 cc | 2770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 605 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 1001 Nm | 279 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 15.7 L/100km | 10.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
