2012 Volkswagen Phaeton vs. 2002 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 1128 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton | 2002 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Phaeton | Golf |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automated manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2233 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5059 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1903 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1901 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2881 mm | 2512 mm |
