2003 BMW 530 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 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 530 would be higher. At 4,130 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (335 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 2003 BMW 530. (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 686 kg more than 2003 BMW 530. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 BMW 530. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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 BMW 530 (501 Nm) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. (430 Nm). This means 2003 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 530 | 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 530 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 4130 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 501 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 93 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 2356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.5 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.5 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
