2003 Ford Mustang vs. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang 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 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton. (238 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 515 kg more than 2003 Ford Mustang.
Because 2003 Ford Mustang is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Ford Mustang (556 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton. (315 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4599 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 556 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
