2006 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK (167 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 347 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Passat | 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Passat | CLK |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1318 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
