2006 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK
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 SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 239 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 SLK. 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2006 Volkswagen Passat | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Passat | SLK |
Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 161 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
Torque | 320 Nm | 234 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1529 kg | 1290 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4020 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1280 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2410 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |