2008 Ford S-Max vs. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford S-Max. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford S-Max would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2008 Ford S-Max. (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford S-Max. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 634 kg more than 2008 Ford S-Max. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Ford S-Max. 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 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford S-Max. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford S-Max. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford S-Max has manual transmission. 2008 Ford S-Max will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford S-Max | 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | S-Max | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2521 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 8.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 2315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 5179 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1903 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1901 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 3001 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
