2008 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (280 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 540 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (359 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Passat | CLS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3597 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.1 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
