2007 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2001 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 320 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Passat. (190 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 435 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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 SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 440 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2001 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Passat |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 720 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
