2009 BMW M3 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. (222 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 775 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (450 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 222 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 91.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 234 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.6 seconds | 9.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 2160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
