2011 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2010 Volkswagen Passat

To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (168 HP @ 3000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2010 Volkswagen Passat. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2010 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 313 kg more than 2010 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 E 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 E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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 E (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Volkswagen Passat. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2010 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2010 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2011 Mercedes-Benz E 2010 Volkswagen Passat
Make Mercedes-Benz Volkswagen
Model E Passat
Year Released 2011 2010
Body Type Sedan Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2143 cc 1895 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 168 HP 104 HP
Engine RPM 3000 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 400 Nm 250 Nm
Torque RPM 1400 RPM 1900 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 16.2:1 19.0:1
Fuel Type Diesel Diesel
Top Speed 229 km/hour 188 km/hour
Acceleration 0-100mph 8.7 seconds 12.1 seconds
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type 7-speed shiftable automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1735 kg 1422 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity 80 L 70 L