2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (271 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 582 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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 SLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (370 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SLK | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1822 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.8 L/100km | 13.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
