1999 BMW 540 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1999 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 540 weights approximately 397 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 BMW 540. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1999 BMW 540 (439 Nm) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton. (431 Nm). This means 1999 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 540 | 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 540 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 439 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1771 kg | 1374 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3010 mm |
