Car comparison

Volkswagen Passat Variant (B6) R36 3.6 V6 FSIvsMercedes-Benz R-class (W251) R 500 V8

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison

Volkswagen Passat Variant (B6)

R36 3.6 V6 FSI

300 hp3597 ccGasolineAWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedWagon / estate2008-2010
VS

Mercedes-Benz R-class (W251)

R 500 V8

388 hp5461 ccGasolineAWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedWagon / estate2007-2009

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

Volkswagen Passat Variant (B6) R36 3.6 V6 FSI

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.8 s
  • Fastest top speed
    260 km/h
    162 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Lightest
    1,725 kg
    3,803 lb
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    10.5 L/100 km
    22.4 mpg US
    26.9 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    14.7 L/100 km
    16.0 mpg US
    19.2 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    8.1 L/100 km
    29.0 mpg US
    34.9 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    667 km
    414 mi
  • Largest trunk
    588 L
  • Best economy score
    79/100
  • Best practicality score
    87/100

Mercedes-Benz R-class (W251) R 500 V8

  • Most powerful
    388 hp
    289 kW
  • Highest torque
    530 Nm
    391 lb-ft
  • Best power-to-weight
    181 hp/t
    135 kW/t
    5.5 kg/hp
  • Best overall score
    72/100
  • Best performance score
    68/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelVolkswagenPassat Variant (B6)R36 3.6 V6 FSIMercedes-BenzR-class (W251)R 500 V8
Power
300hp224kW
388hp289kW
Torque
350Nm258lb-ft
530Nm391lb-ft
Curb weight
1,725kg3,803lb
2,145kg4,729lb
Gross weight
2,350kg5,181lb
2,880kg6,349lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
57.9s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
72.3s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.8s
6.1s
0-200 km/h
18.0s
Calculated
20.6s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.5s
Calculated
5.8s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
10.5L/100 km22.4mpg US26.9mpg UK
13.4L/100 km17.6mpg US21.1mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
14.7L/100 km16mpg US19.2mpg UK
18.8L/100 km12.5mpg US15.0mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
8.1L/100 km29mpg US34.9mpg UK
10.2L/100 km23.1mpg US27.7mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.8s
Calculated
14.1s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
174hp/t130kW/t79hp/1000 lb
Calculated
181hp/t135kW/t82hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
203Nm/t136lb-ft/ton
Calculated
247Nm/t165lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
667km414mi
Calculated
597km371mi
Calculated
Displacement
3,597cc220cu in
5,461cc333cu in
Length
4,820mm190in
4,938mm194in
Width
1,820mm72in
1,922mm76in
Height
1,456mm57in
1,661mm65in
Wheelbase
2,709mm107in
2,980mm117in
Front track
1,548mm61in
1,643mm65in
Rear track
1,558mm61in
1,636mm64in
Trunk volume
588L
324L
Max trunk volume
1,716L
2,001L
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
70L
80L
CO2 emissions
249g/km
-

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

Volkswagen Passat Variant (B6) R36 3.6 V6 FSIMercedes-Benz R-class (W251) R 500 V8PowerTorque
  • Volkswagen Passat Variant (B6) R36 3.6 V6 FSI: Power / Torque
  • Mercedes-Benz R-class (W251) R 500 V8: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
VolkswagenPassat Variant (B6)R36 3.6 V6 FSI6,600 rpm2,400-5,300 rpm6,850 rpm
Mercedes-BenzR-class (W251)R 500 V86,000 rpm2,800-4,800 rpm6,250 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricVolkswagenPassat Variant (B6)R36 3.6 V6 FSIMercedes-BenzR-class (W251)R 500 V8
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.5 s
5.8 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.8 s
6.1 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
18.0 s
20.6 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Limited
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.5 s
2.4 s
330 ft
101 m
6.2 s
6.3 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.2 s
9.3 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.7 s
11.9 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.8 s
14.1 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
176 km/h
109 mph
168 km/h
105 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenPassat Variant (B6)R36 3.6 V6 FSI
300 hp
224 kW
Mercedes-BenzR-class (W251)R 500 V8
388 hp
289 kW

Mercedes-Benz R-class (W251) R 500 V8 has 88 hp more than Volkswagen Passat Variant (B6) R36 3.6 V6 FSI.

The biggest power difference is between Volkswagen Passat Variant (B6) R36 3.6 V6 FSI and Mercedes-Benz R-class (W251) R 500 V8: 88 hp (66 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenPassat Variant (B6)R36 3.6 V6 FSI
350 Nm
258 lb-ft
Mercedes-BenzR-class (W251)R 500 V8
530 Nm
391 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenPassat Variant (B6)R36 3.6 V6 FSI
1,725 kg
3,803 lb
Mercedes-BenzR-class (W251)R 500 V8
2,145 kg
4,729 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenPassat Variant (B6)R36 3.6 V6 FSI
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Mercedes-BenzR-class (W251)R 500 V8
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenPassat Variant (B6)R36 3.6 V6 FSI5.8 s
Mercedes-BenzR-class (W251)R 500 V86.1 s

Although Mercedes-Benz R-class (W251) R 500 V8 has more power, Volkswagen Passat Variant (B6) R36 3.6 V6 FSI is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Volkswagen Passat Variant (B6) R36 3.6 V6 FSI and Mercedes-Benz R-class (W251) R 500 V8: 0.3 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenPassat Variant (B6)R36 3.6 V6 FSI
10.5 L/100 km
22.4 mpg US
26.9 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzR-class (W251)R 500 V8
13.4 L/100 km
17.6 mpg US
21.1 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Volkswagen Passat Variant (B6) R36 3.6 V6 FSI and Mercedes-Benz R-class (W251) R 500 V8: 2.9 L/100 km.

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenPassat Variant (B6)R36 3.6 V6 FSI
174 hp/t
130 kW/t
5.7 kg/hp
Mercedes-BenzR-class (W251)R 500 V8
181 hp/t
135 kW/t
5.5 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenPassat Variant (B6)R36 3.6 V6 FSI
667 km
414 mi
Mercedes-BenzR-class (W251)R 500 V8
597 km
371 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
VolkswagenPassat Variant (B6)R36 3.6 V6 FSI
300 hp
224 kW
5.8 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Mercedes-BenzR-class (W251)R 500 V8
388 hp
289 kW
6.1 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
VolkswagenPassat Variant (B6)R36 3.6 V6 FSI
Power
300 hp
224 kW
0-100 km/h5.8 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
588 L
20.8 cu ft
Length
4,820 mm
189.8 in
Height
1,456 mm
57.3 in
Mercedes-BenzR-class (W251)R 500 V8
Power
388 hp
289 kW
0-100 km/h6.1 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
324 L
11.4 cu ft
Length
4,938 mm
194.4 in
Height
1,661 mm
65.4 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
VolkswagenPassat Variant (B6)R36 3.6 V6 FSI
Power
300 hp
224 kW
0-100 km/h5.8 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
10.5 L/100 km
22.4 mpg US
26.9 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzR-class (W251)R 500 V8
Power
388 hp
289 kW
0-100 km/h6.1 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
13.4 L/100 km
17.6 mpg US
21.1 mpg UK

Volkswagen Passat Variant (B6) R36 3.6 V6 FSI is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
VolkswagenPassat Variant (B6)R36 3.6 V6 FSI
10.5 L/100 km
22.4 mpg US
26.9 mpg UK
5.8 s
Mercedes-BenzR-class (W251)R 500 V8
13.4 L/100 km
17.6 mpg US
21.1 mpg UK
6.1 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
VolkswagenPassat Variant (B6)R36 3.6 V6 FSI
174 hp/t
130 kW/t
5.8 kg/hp
10.5 L/100 km
22.4 mpg US
26.9 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzR-class (W251)R 500 V8
181 hp/t
135 kW/t
5.5 kg/hp
13.4 L/100 km
17.6 mpg US
21.1 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleVolkswagenPassat Variant (B6)R36 3.6 V6 FSIMercedes-BenzR-class (W251)R 500 V8
Power
300 hp
224 kW
388 hp
289 kW
Torque
350 Nm
258 lb-ft
530 Nm
391 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.8 s
6.1 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,725 kg
3,803 lb
2,145 kg
4,729 lb
Fuel consumption
10.5 L/100 km
22.4 mpg US
26.9 mpg UK
13.4 L/100 km
17.6 mpg US
21.1 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
588 L
20.8 cu ft
Length
4,820 mm
189.8 in
Height
1,456 mm
57.3 in
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
324 L
11.4 cu ft
Length
4,938 mm
194.4 in
Height
1,661 mm
65.4 in
Range score
667 km
414 mi
597 km
371 mi
CO2 score
249 g/km
-
Trunk score
588 L
20.8 cu ft
324 L
11.4 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
174 hp/t
130 kW/t
5.8 kg/hp
181 hp/t
135 kW/t
5.5 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehicleVolkswagen Passat Variant (B6) R36 3.6 V6 FSIMercedes-Benz R-class (W251) R 500 V8
Consumption10.5 L/100 km22.4 mpg US26.9 mpg UK13.4 L/100 km17.6 mpg US21.1 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km18.38 LC100 km23.45 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi29.57 LC100 mi37.74 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,575 L416 US gal346 UK gal2,010 L531 US gal442 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,756 LC/year3,518 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Volkswagen Passat Variant (B6) R36 3.6 V6 FSI

  • Is 420 kg lighter
  • Is 0.3 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 2.9 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 70 km (43 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 264 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Lowest power

Mercedes-Benz R-class (W251) R 500 V8

  • Has 88 hp more
  • Has 180 Nm more
  • Has 7 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Best power-to-weight ratio

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest
  • Smallest trunk

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Volkswagen Passat Variant (B6) R36 3.6 V6 FSI
Mercedes-Benz R-class (W251) R 500 V8
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