2002 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 6 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 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton. (414 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 231 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S.
Because 2008 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, 2008 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton. (551 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 801 Nm | 551 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.8 seconds | 6.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2135 kg | 2366 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 90 L |
