2003 Ford Mustang vs. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (390 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton. (330 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 431 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Ford Mustang (530 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton. (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 390 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 90 L |
