2012 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (134 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 1090 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (185 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | A | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2034 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.8 seconds | 8.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 2315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3840 mm | 5179 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1903 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1901 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3001 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
