1998 Bentley Continental vs. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Bentley Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Bentley Continental would be higher. At 6,750 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Bentley Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Bentley Continental (421 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton. (330 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Bentley Continental should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Bentley Continental weights approximately 169 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Bentley Continental. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1998 Bentley Continental (875 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 445 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton. (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Bentley Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Bentley Continental | 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Bentley | Volkswagen |
| Model | Continental | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6750 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 421 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 875 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.2 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2450 kg | 2281 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2060 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 90 L |
