2003 Volkswagen Passat 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 Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton (414 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 279 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 877 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. 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 Passat. 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 (550 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (350 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volkswagen Passat | 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10 seconds | 6.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1489 kg | 2366 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.3 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 90 L |
