2012 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz E (298 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 199 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 2013 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz E (370 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Passat | 2013 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Passat | E |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 298 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4769 mm | 4698 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2015 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1397 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2712 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.6 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 11 L/100km |
