1997 BMW 850 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton (335 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1997 BMW 850. (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 627 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Because 1997 BMW 850 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 1997 BMW 850. 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton. (430 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 4130 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3010 mm |
