1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 60 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 5,401 cc (8 cylinders), 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (222 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500. (180 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 246 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (450 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500. (440 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1944 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5401 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 222 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111 mm | 91.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 5.2:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2406 kg | 2160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2890 mm |
