2003 Audi A8 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Audi A8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Audi A8 would be higher. At 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (415 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 2003 Audi A8. (276 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2003 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 486 kg more than 2003 Audi A8. 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 Audi A8 (650 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. (550 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Audi A8 | 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Audi | Volkswagen |
| Model | A8 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3936 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 415 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 650 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 2366 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 90 L |
