2007 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 324 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (280 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 222 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL (1,000 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 651 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | CL | Passat |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5980 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 604 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 1000 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1563 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 70 L |
