2001 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (239 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 835 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (315 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2001 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Volkswagen Golf | 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 239 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
