differences between 2000 and 2005 w220/early w221/phaeton?

[jonnyboy]

Hmm. I hate long journeys, it usually ends up in a brainwave
We have a 56k mile s430 lwb, 2000 vintage, with very very high spec (distronic, vented seats etc).
We can possibly inherit my late fathers a class lwb (52 reg) which i carefully sourced for him, would help us with our day-to-day costs, school run etc but not fulfil the frequent long jorneys, need for power etc, we'd keep and run both cars (i also have a very nice navara doublecab for day to day).
Whilst listening to the v8 throb last night i wondered whether we'd be better off just going for either a newer run-out s320cdi long, early 221, or a phaeton.
the 220 has been in the family from new, known quantity etc although needed paintwork. i can "lose" diesel much easier than petrol through the books seeing as i run three vans. i have to factor in car tax/ins etc.
whilst the s430 is very high spec my navara is much more up-to-date with dvd satnav/bluetooth etc.
what are the main advantages of a run-out w220/early w221/comparable phaeton ? will be a diesel i suspect.
all thoughts gratefully considered
John

 

[James Rothwell]

I don't know much about the 221.

I've done a lot of research into Phaetons lately and have driven a couple over the last few years. The 3.0TDi Phaeton is no good, it is not powerful enough to power such a heavy car especially with AWD system. The V10 TDi is fine but a little thirsty.

A facelift run-out 220 would probably be the best bet?

Another car to consider would be an Audi A8 4.2TDi? The engine is more powerful than the V10 TDi and it's suprisigly frugal in part to the fact that the A8 weighs very little for it's size. The only problem I find with Audis is that they all seem to get spec'd with sports suspension unless you have the air suspension option then it you can set it to comfort and it feels aright. I never understand big cruisers that have rock hard suspension.

 

[jonnyboy]

Wife has an aversion to the (well liked by me) A8. She loved the Phaeton though.
Trouble is the MB star calls to me......