2003 Bentley Continental vs. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Bentley Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Bentley Continental would be higher. At 6,750 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Bentley Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Bentley Continental (421 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton. (237 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Bentley Continental should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Bentley Continental weights approximately 217 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Bentley Continental. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2003 Bentley Continental (876 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 376 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton. (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2003 Bentley Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Bentley Continental | 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Bentley | Volkswagen |
| Model | Continental | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6750 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 421 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 876 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2450 kg | 2233 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 5059 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2060 mm | 1903 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1901 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2881 mm |
