2006 Mercedes-Benz GL vs. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton would be higher. At 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (414 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL. (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 164 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton.
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, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (550 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL. (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL | 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | GL | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2987 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2454 kg | 2290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 90 L |
