2009 Mercedes-Benz GL vs. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton would be higher. At 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton (444 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 234 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL. (210 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 93 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL 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, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton (551 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL. (540 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL | 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | GL | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2987 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 444 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 540 Nm | 551 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 10.2 L/100km | 13.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 19.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 17 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 90 L |
