1996 Buick LeSabre vs. 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1996 Buick LeSabre. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 580 kg more than 1996 Buick LeSabre. 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, 1996 Buick LeSabre (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton. (310 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton. 1996 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick LeSabre | 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | LeSabre | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 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 | 1490 kg | 2070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 90 L |
