2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 397 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (113 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 477 kg more than 2006 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 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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 SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 565 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 720 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 11.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1478 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.6 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
