2009 BMW 118 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton would be higher. At 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 2009 BMW 118. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 896 kg more than 2009 BMW 118. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 BMW 118. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 118. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 118 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 118 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 118 | 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 118 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 2281 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 13.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 90 L |
