1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2010 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (265 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2010 Volkswagen Phaeton. (237 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2010 Volkswagen Phaeton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 700 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Because 2010 Volkswagen Phaeton is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Volkswagen Phaeton (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. (404 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2010 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 404 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 2315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5179 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1903 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1901 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 3001 mm |
