2012 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton would be higher. At 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (240 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton. (238 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 10 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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 Mercedes-Benz S (616 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 301 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton. (315 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 616 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | Front |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2170 kg | 2160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5245 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1872 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1473 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3165 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 55 L |
