2012 Subaru Legacy vs. 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2012 Subaru Legacy 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Subaru Legacy (256 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton. (237 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 732 kg more than 2012 Subaru Legacy.
Both vehicles are all wheel drive (AWD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Subaru Legacy. (335 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Subaru Legacy.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Subaru Legacy | 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Legacy | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | AWD | AWD |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1583 kg | 2315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4775 mm | 5179 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1903 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 3001 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 11.6 L/100km |
