2005 Volkswagen Phaeton vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 5,997 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton (414 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (402 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 357 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton. (550 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Phaeton | CLS |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5997 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | W | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 550 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.1 seconds | 5.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1378 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
