2001 BMW 520 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton (222 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2001 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 490 kg more than 2001 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton (450 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 520. 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 520 | 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 222 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 91.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 2160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
