2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 515 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. 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 260 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (240 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | C | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3000 cc |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2830 kg | 2315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 5179 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1903 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1901 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3001 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
