2007 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 2 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 380 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (113 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 649 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 2007 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 2007 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 645 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Passat |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.8 seconds | 11.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1956 kg | 1307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 10 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
