2011 Mercedes-Benz S 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 S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (621 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 451 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 860 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 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, 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 S (999 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 759 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Passat |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6000 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 621 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 999 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2296 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5245 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1872 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1473 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3165 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.6 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
