1996 Honda Legend vs. 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Legend. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Legend would be higher. At 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Honda Legend is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1996 Honda Legend. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Legend. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 563 kg more than 1996 Honda Legend. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Honda Legend. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Legend. (297 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Legend.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Legend | 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Legend | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3472 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 297 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 2233 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5059 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1903 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1901 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2881 mm |
