2006 Volkswagen Phaeton vs. 1996 Acura RL
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Acura RL would be higher. At 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton (331 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1996 Acura RL. (205 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1996 Acura RL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 491 kg more than 1996 Acura RL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Acura RL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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 Volkswagen Phaeton (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Acura RL. (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Acura RL. 1996 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton | 1996 Acura RL | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Acura |
| Model | Phaeton | RL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4172 cc | 3472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 331 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 430 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2166 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 50 L |
