2008 Volkswagen Phaeton vs. 2012 Cadillac Escalade
To start off, 2012 Cadillac Escalade is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Cadillac Escalade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Cadillac Escalade (403 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton. (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac Escalade should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac Escalade weights approximately 543 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Cadillac Escalade 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 2012 Cadillac Escalade. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2012 Cadillac Escalade (565 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton. (315 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Cadillac Escalade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton. 2012 Cadillac Escalade has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Cadillac Escalade will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton | 2012 Cadillac Escalade | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Cadillac |
| Model | Phaeton | Escalade |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3189 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 403 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 565 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2076 kg | 2619 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 5639 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 2009 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1892 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3302 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 117 L |
