2011 Nissan Xterra vs. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2011 Nissan Xterra is newer by 3 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 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2011 Nissan Xterra. (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2011 Nissan Xterra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 651 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Nissan Xterra. 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 (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Nissan Xterra. (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Nissan Xterra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Nissan Xterra | 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Xterra | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4000 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1882 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4539 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1849 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1902 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 90 L |
