2008 Volkswagen Phaeton vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (621 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 399 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton. (222 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 139 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 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Mercedes-Benz S (999 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 549 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton. (450 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Phaeton | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 222 HP | 621 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2166 kg | 2305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 90 L |
