2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton. (309 HP @ 3750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 450 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton (750 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 4920 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 309 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 750 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 2405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.5 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 90 L |
