2006 Volkswagen Phaeton vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton. (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 100 kg more than 2011 BMW 550.
Because 2011 BMW 550 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 BMW 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 294 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton. (315 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton | 2011 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Phaeton | 550 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3189 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2070 kg | 1970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2969 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
