2006 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton would be higher. At 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (494 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. (420 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 664 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. (552 Nm). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5441 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 494 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 552 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 95 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 2449 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 11.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 19.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 90 L |
