2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 353 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (157 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 605 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 605 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1990 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1990 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.8 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 13.1 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 12.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
