2008 Volkswagen Phaeton vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima 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 4,921 cc (10 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton (309 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Altima. (270 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 276 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Nissan Altima. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton (750 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 401 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Altima. (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Phaeton | Altima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4921 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 309 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 750 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1236 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 76 L |
