2012 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. (168 HP @ 3000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 168 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | E | Passat |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2143 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1567 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
