2003 Volkswagen Phaeton vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (536 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 298 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton. (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 185 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 Mercedes-Benz CL. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (799 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 484 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton. (315 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Phaeton | CL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3189 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 536 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 799 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1995 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 5105 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 90 L |
