2011 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 2007 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (536 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 398 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 595 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (799 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 479 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. (320 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL | 2007 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | CL | Passat |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5500 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 536 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 799 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5105 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1872 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1427 mm | 1520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
