2012 BMW X3 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 8 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 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X3 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. (238 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 195 kg more than 2012 BMW X3.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 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 BMW X3 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. (320 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 BMW X3 | 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | X3 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2004 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.2 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | AWD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 2070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4648 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1881 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1675 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 90 L |
