2006 BMW M3 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton. (237 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 684 kg more than 2006 BMW M3.
Because 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3. 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 2233 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5059 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1903 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1901 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2881 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 11.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
