2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren vs. 2009 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (617 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 417 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 540 kg more than 2009 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 SLR McLaren 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 SLR McLaren. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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 SLR McLaren (780 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 499 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | 2009 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SLR McLaren | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 617 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 780 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1770 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.5 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 70 L |
