2003 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 876 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. 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 Volkswagen Golf. 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 (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volkswagen Golf | 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.3 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 2172 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.2 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 90 L |
