2008 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL (383 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 223 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 423 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL (531 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (326 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | CL | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5461 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 383 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 531 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1995 kg | 1572 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 62 L |
