2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 289 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (113 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 312 kg more than 2006 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 CLS 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 CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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 CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 445 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | CLS | Passat |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4663 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 402 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 11.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1423 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1882 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1417 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2875 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
