2006 Volkswagen Phaeton vs. 2003 BMW 330
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 330 would be higher. At 4,130 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton (335 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 2003 BMW 330. (184 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 330 weights approximately 487 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Because 2003 BMW 330 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 BMW 330 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 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 330. (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 330.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton | 2003 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Phaeton | 330 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4130 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 184 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 430 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.5:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1318 kg | 1805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 63 L |
