The Rolls-Royce Phantom and Rolls-Royce Ghost are both ultra-luxury sedans that share the same brand ethos of craftsmanship, refinement, and opulence. However, there are several key differences between the two models in terms of design, performance, price, and intended audience. While both vehicles represent the pinnacle of automotive luxury, they are designed for slightly different tastes and purposes.

1. Design and Size

Rolls-Royce Phantom:

• Flagship Model: The Phantom is Rolls-Royce’s flagship sedan and is often seen as the ultimate expression of luxury in the automotive world. It’s larger, more imposing, and more traditional in its design compared to the Ghost.
• Dimensions: The Phantom is longer and more spacious. Its overall length is around 227.8 inches (5,834 mm), with a wheelbase of 144.4 inches (3,673 mm) in the standard version. The extended Phantom Extended model has a wheelbase of 177.8 inches (4,510 mm), which provides even more rear-seat space.
• Presence and Luxury: The Phantom has a more formal and grandiose design, with a larger grille, more imposing stance, and a more "classic" Rolls-Royce aesthetic. The proportions and presence of the Phantom are unmistakable, especially with the iconic Pantheon grille and Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament.

Rolls-Royce Ghost:

• Younger Sibling: The Ghost is slightly smaller and is positioned just below the Phantom in Rolls-Royce’s lineup. It is still an ultra-luxury car but has a more contemporary, dynamic design compared to the Phantom’s more traditional, opulent appearance.
• Dimensions: The Ghost is around 218.3 inches (5,570 mm) in length, with a wheelbase of 129.7 inches (3,296 mm), which makes it shorter than the Phantom by approximately 9 inches in length and 15 inches in wheelbase.
• Design Aesthetic: The Ghost has a more modern, sleek design, with a slightly sportier and more dynamic stance. While still majestic, it presents a more youthful and modern look than the stately Phantom. The design is also more understated, appealing to those who want Rolls-Royce luxury with a bit more subtlety.

2. Interior and Luxury Features

Rolls-Royce Phantom:

• Unrivaled Luxury: The Phantom's interior is the epitome of luxury, with every material chosen for its exquisite quality. The level of customization is unmatched, with options for precious wood veneers, luxury leather finishes, and intricate handcraftsmanship.
• Space: The Phantom offers immense space, particularly in the rear cabin, where passengers enjoy a truly limousine-like experience. In the extended version, the rear legroom is exceptional, and the rear seats often come equipped with reclining functions, an adjustable ottoman, and an entertainment system designed for ultimate comfort.
• Attention to Detail: The Phantom has extremely high-end details like a Starlight Headliner (fiber-optic lighting that mimics the night sky), hand-stitched leather, and bespoke options for every part of the interior. It’s tailored for those who want an unparalleled level of personal luxury.

Rolls-Royce Ghost:

• Opulent Yet Modern: The Ghost offers a similarly luxurious interior but with a slightly more modern, less ceremonial feel. The design is elegant, contemporary, and sporty, with a more streamlined aesthetic compared to the Phantom’s more ornate approach.
• Space: While the Ghost is smaller than the Phantom, it still offers exceptional comfort and space, especially in the rear, though not to the same degree as the Phantom. The rear seats are also highly customizable, with features such as adjustable seating, massaging functions, and entertainment systems.
• Customization: The Ghost is still highly customizable, but the focus is often on creating a more contemporary and sportier feel compared to the Phantom’s emphasis on classic luxury.

3. Performance and Driving Dynamics

Rolls-Royce Phantom:

• Engine: The Phantom is powered by a 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 engine, delivering around 563 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. This engine produces an effortless and smooth driving experience, emphasizing comfort over raw performance.
• Driving Experience: The Phantom is built for a soothing, serene ride with a focus on quietness and refinement. It’s less about performance and more about luxury and grandeur. The ride quality is often described as the closest thing to a magic carpet, with Rolls-Royce’s air suspension system smoothing out the bumps in the road.
• Acceleration: 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) takes about 5.1 seconds, which is more than fast enough but not focused on outright performance.

Rolls-Royce Ghost:

• Engine: The Ghost also uses a 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 engine but is slightly more powerful, producing 592 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque (in the V12 Ghost Series II version). This makes the Ghost slightly faster and more performance-oriented than the Phantom.
• Driving Experience: While still emphasizing comfort, the Ghost offers a slightly more dynamic and responsive drive compared to the Phantom. The Ghost is often described as a better balance of performance and luxury, offering the smoothness expected from a Rolls-Royce but with a bit more driver engagement.
• Acceleration: 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) takes around 4.6 seconds, making the Ghost noticeably quicker than the Phantom.

4. Price and Market Positioning

Rolls-Royce Phantom:

• Price: The Phantom is the more expensive of the two, typically starting around $460,000 for the base model (prices can rise significantly with bespoke options and customizations).
• Target Audience: The Phantom is aimed at the ultra-wealthy who seek the ultimate luxury sedan and aren’t as concerned with performance. It’s a statement car designed for those who want to be chauffeured or experience the highest level of comfort in a car. It's typically favored by royalty, heads of state, and celebrities.

Rolls-Royce Ghost:

• Price: The Ghost is somewhat more affordable, with a starting price around $400,000 (again, prices vary with customization). While still incredibly expensive, it is positioned as a slightly more accessible Rolls-Royce sedan compared to the Phantom.
• Target Audience: The Ghost is aimed at those who want the Rolls-Royce experience but with a more modern, dynamic approach to luxury. It is popular among successful entrepreneurs, high-net-worth individuals, and those who desire both performance and refinement in a slightly more understated package.

5. Summary of Key Differences

Conclusion:

• Choose the Phantom if you want the absolute pinnacle of Rolls-Royce luxury, a car that prioritizes comfort, quietness, and classic design. It's ideal for those who want a statement vehicle with the finest craftsmanship and the most opulent experience possible.
• Choose the Ghost if you want a slightly more modern, dynamic luxury sedan with a balance of performance and luxury. It still delivers Rolls-Royce levels of refinement but with a bit more agility and contemporary design, making it a great choice for those who also enjoy driving their own car.