2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS would be higher. At 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (158 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 270 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 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 (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
Model | CLS | Passat |
Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2143 cc | 1800 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 201 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 500 Nm | 250 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1530 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4771 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1882 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1417 mm | 1516 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2875 mm | 2712 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |