2009 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 1 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 320 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (190 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 125 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz S.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S (830 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 550 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz S | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3170 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 18.1 L/100km | 10.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 62 L |
