2004 Volkswagen Phaeton vs. 2011 BMW 740
To start off, 2011 BMW 740 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton would be higher. At 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 740 (304 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. (239 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 45 kg more than 2011 BMW 740.
Because 2011 BMW 740 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 740. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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 BMW 740 (600 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. (315 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. 2011 BMW 740 has automatic transmission and 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton has manual transmission. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 740 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton | 2011 BMW 740 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Phaeton | 740 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3189 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 239 HP | 304 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1995 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 5072 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3070 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 82 L |
