1996 Honda Ballade vs. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 241 more horse power than 1996 Honda Ballade. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 1082 kg more than 1996 Honda Ballade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Honda Ballade. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 299 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Ballade. (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Ballade. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Ballade has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Ballade will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Ballade | 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ballade | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1491 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 2172 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 90 L |
