2001 Dodge Durango vs. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Dodge Durango. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Dodge Durango would be higher. At 4,702 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Dodge Durango is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2001 Dodge Durango. (233 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2001 Dodge Durango. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 306 kg more than 2001 Dodge Durango. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Dodge Durango. (399 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Dodge Durango.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Dodge Durango | 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Durango | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4702 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 233 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 399 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1975 kg | 2281 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2860 mm |
