2004 Volkswagen Phaeton vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 is newer by 8 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 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (415 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2012 BMW 535. (300 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 521 kg more than 2012 BMW 535. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 BMW 535. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (550 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 535. (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 535.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Phaeton | 535 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5998 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | W | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 415 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 550 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2366 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
