2005 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 2 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 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 217 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | C | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2685 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.2 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2064 kg | 2281 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 13.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 90 L |
