2002 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton. (222 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 265 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton (450 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (401 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4266 cc | 2965 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 222 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 91.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 234 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.3 seconds | 8.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1895 kg | 2160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2890 mm |
