2003 Buick Rainier vs. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2003 Buick Rainier is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton would be higher. At 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (414 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 2003 Buick Rainier. (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2003 Buick Rainier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 190 kg more than 2003 Buick Rainier. 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, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (550 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Buick Rainier. (373 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Buick Rainier.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Buick Rainier | 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rainier | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 102 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2100 kg | 2290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 90 L |
