2004 Buick Rainier vs. 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Buick Rainier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Buick Rainier would be higher. At 4,195 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Buick Rainier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Buick Rainier (275 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton. (238 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Buick Rainier should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 55 kg more than 2004 Buick Rainier.
Because 2004 Buick Rainier 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 2004 Buick Rainier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2004 Buick Rainier (387 Nm) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton. (310 Nm). This means 2004 Buick Rainier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Buick Rainier | 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rainier | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2015 kg | 2070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 90 L |
