1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 4,130 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton (335 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. (130 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 22 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Because 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. (198 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 230 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2297 cc | 4130 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 198 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.7 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.1 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
