2011 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2007 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (295 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. (198 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 584 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 S 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 S. 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 S (385 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz S | 2007 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Passat |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2029 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5245 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1872 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1473 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3165 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
