2004 Volkswagen Phaeton vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (239 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 595 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (315 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Phaeton | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3189 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 239 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1995 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
