1981 Cadillac Seville vs. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Cadillac Seville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Cadillac Seville would be higher. At 4,129 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Cadillac Seville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1981 Cadillac Seville. (123 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1981 Cadillac Seville. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 400 kg more than 1981 Cadillac Seville. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (320 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Cadillac Seville. (284 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Cadillac Seville. 1981 Cadillac Seville has automatic transmission and 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton has manual transmission. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Cadillac Seville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Cadillac Seville | 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Seville | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 2070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2850 mm |
