2005 Volkswagen Phaeton vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton would be higher. At 4,921 cc (10 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (432 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton. (309 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 888 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton (750 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL. (700 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Phaeton | CL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4921 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 309 HP | 432 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 750 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.9 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 90 L |
