2003 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,964 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton (309 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 530 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton (750 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4964 cc | 4921 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 309 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 750 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 2405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 90 L |
