2009 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW M3 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 177 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton. (237 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 708 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 BMW M3. 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 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3. 2012 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. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.6 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 2233 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 5059 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1903 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1901 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2881 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
