2003 Volkswagen Phaeton vs. 2011 BMW 125
To start off, 2011 BMW 125 is newer by 8 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 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2011 BMW 125. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 125. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 675 kg more than 2011 BMW 125. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 125 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 BMW 125. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (315 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 125. (251 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 125. 2011 BMW 125 has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 125 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton | 2011 BMW 125 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Phaeton | 125 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3189 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1995 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 53 L |
