Volkswagen Phaeton (2002 – 2009) vs Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse and predecessors (2002 – 2005): specs compared
The Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse and predecessors is the more powerful of the two, with up to 500 hp against 420 hp. It is quicker, reaching 100 km/h in 4.8 s against 6.1 s. It uses less fuel, from 7.9 L/100 km against 9.6 L/100 km. It is the lighter car, from 1,810 kg against 1,970 kg. At 5,169 mm, the Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse and predecessors is 109 mm longer than the Volkswagen Phaeton.
| Specification |
Volkswagen
Phaeton
2002 – 2009
|
Mercedes-Benz
S-Klasse and predecessors
2002 – 2005
|
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Origin | Germany | Germany |
| Documented years | 2002 – 2009 | 2002 – 2005 |
| Body style | — | — |
| Variants | 7 | 10 |
| Fuel | Diesel, Petrol | Diesel, Petrol |
| Drive | AWD · FWD | RWD |
| Gearbox | Automatic · Manual | Automatic |
| Performance | ||
| Power | 224 – 420 hp | 204 – 500 hp |
| Torque | 315 – 750 Nm | 350 – 800 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h | 6.1 – 8.9 s | 4.8 – 8.2 s |
| Top speed | 233 – 250 km/h | 235 – 250 km/h |
| Economy | ||
| Fuel economy | 9.6 – 15.6 L/100 km | 7.9 – 14.8 L/100 km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,060 mm | 5,042 – 5,169 mm |
| Width | 1,900 mm | 1,854 mm |
| Height | 1,450 mm | 1,445 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,880 mm | 2,964 – 3,086 mm |
| Curb weight | 1,970 – 2,390 kg | 1,810 – 2,135 kg |
Ranges cover all variants of each car. The highlight marks the best version per row.