2003 Volkswagen Phaeton vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton would be higher. At 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 228 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (102 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 808 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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 Volkswagen Phaeton (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 282 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Phaeton | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4172 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 430 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.9 seconds | 12.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2281 kg | 1473 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
