2006 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton. (237 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 798 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 Volkswagen Phaeton (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 2233 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5059 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1903 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1901 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2881 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.9 L/100km | 11.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.9 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
