A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Ghost
Phantom
Maximum Power
420 kW @ 5000 rpm
420 kW @ 5000 rpm
Maximum Torque
850 Nm @ 1600 rpm
900 Nm @ 1700 rpm
Engine Size
6749 cc
6749 cc
Claimed Mileage
6.37 km/l
6.29 km/l
Ground Clearance
118 mm
136 mm
Boot / Load Bay
500 l
530 l
Airbags
8
8
Kerb Weight
2490 kg
2560 kg
Seating Capacity
-
-
Warranty
4 years; regional conditions apply
4 years; regional conditions apply
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Both Ghost and Phantom are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Ghost
+4 pts
Efficiency
Ghost
+1 pts
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Phantom
+3 pts
Ownership
Equal
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Ghost
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFuel Efficiency
Phantom
Strengths
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Family Usage
Which One's Right for You?
Ghost
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Phantom
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Ghost
Phantom
Model Introduced Year
2020
2018
Generation
Second-generation Ghost in standard-wheelbase Series II form
Eighth-generation Phantom in standard-wheelbase Series II form
Facelift History
The second-generation Ghost was introduced in South Africa in 2020 and evolved into Ghost Series II in October 2024
The eighth-generation Phantom was presented globally in 2017, introduced in South Africa in 2018 and received its light-touch Series II evolution in 2022
Facelift Launched Since
2024
2022
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Four-door luxury saloon
Four-door luxury saloon
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
Full-size super-luxury saloon
Full-size super-luxury saloon
Vehicle Type
Internal-combustion passenger car
Internal-combustion passenger car
Spec
Ghost
Phantom
Drivetrain Layout
All-wheel drive with all-wheel steering
Front-engine, rear-wheel drive with all-wheel steering
Transfer Case
ATC 13 transfer case
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No lockable differential
No lockable differential
Paddle Shifters
No
No
Gearbox
8-speed automatic
8-speed ZF automatic
Final Drive Ratio
2.81:1
2.81:1
Number of Gears
8
8
Transmission Type
8-speed automatic
8-speed ZF automatic
Clutch Type
Torque converter
Torque converter
Drivetrain
All-wheel drive
Rear-wheel drive
4WD Engagement
Rolls-Royce all-wheel drive
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
No
No
Front Differential Lock
No lockable differential
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
8-speed automatic
8-speed ZF automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
All-wheel-drive power delivery with active rear-axle steering
Rear-wheel-drive power delivery with active rear-axle steering
Rear Differential Lock
No lockable differential
No lockable differential
Transmission Speeds
8
8
Gear Shift Type
Satellite Aided automatic gear selection
Satellite Aided automatic gear selection
Spec
Ghost
Phantom
Claimed Mileage
6.37 km/l
6.29 km/l
City Mileage
5.10 km/l
5.10 km/l
Highway Mileage
8.08 km/l
8.08 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
90 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6e (B6e)
Euro 6e (B6e)
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Automatic start/stop: Yes
Automatic start/stop: No
Average Fuel Consumption
15.7 l/100km
15.9 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
15.7 l/100km
15.9 l/100km
Fuel Efficiency
15.7 l/100km
15.9 l/100km
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Consumption
15.7 l/100km
15.9 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
15.7 l/100km
15.9 l/100km
Fuel Economy Combined
15.7 l/100km
15.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
90
90
Combined Driving Range
573-588 km (calculated from 90 L and 15.3-15.7 l/100 km WLTP)
566-581 km (calculated from 90 L and 15.5-15.9 l/100 km WLTP)
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
6.37 km/l
6.29 km/l
Range Real World Mixed
-
608 km
Spec
Ghost
Phantom
Airbags
8
8
ABS
Four-channel Anti-lock Braking System
Four-channel Anti-lock Braking System
Electronic Stability Control
Dynamic Stability Control
Dynamic Stability Control
Traction Control
Dynamic Traction Control
Dynamic Traction Control
Hill Descent Control
Hill Descent Control
No
Hill Start Assist
Hill Start Assist
Hill Start Assist
Child Safety Lock
Rear child-safety locks
Rear child-safety locks
ISOFIX Mounts
ISOFIX child-seat mounts
ISOFIX child-seat mounts
Brake Assist
Dynamic Brake Control
Dynamic Brake Control
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Low tyre-pressure warning
Engine Immobiliser
Engine immobiliser
Engine immobiliser
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front seatbelt warning sensor
Front driver and passenger seatbelt warning sensors
Front Parking Sensors
Park Distance Control, front and rear
Park Distance Control, front and rear
AEB
Collision Warning with Brake Function; pedestrian/bike warning with brake function
Collision Warning with Brake Function; pedestrian/bike warning with brake function
BA
Dynamic Brake Control
Dynamic Brake Control
Curtain Airbags
Front Head Protection System
Front Head Protection System
Driver Airbag
Driver airbag
Driver airbag
EBD
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Engine Immobiliser
Engine immobiliser
Engine immobiliser
Hill Hold
Hill Start Assist
Hill Start Assist
Passenger Airbag
Front-passenger airbag
Front-passenger airbag
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front and rear three-point pretensioning seatbelts; front force limiters
Front and rear three-point pretensioning seatbelts; front force limiters
Side Airbags
Front side-impact airbags
Front side-impact airbags
TCS
Dynamic Traction Control
Dynamic Traction Control
Knee Airbag
Active front knee protection
Active front knee protection
ABS EBD
Four-channel Anti-lock Braking System
Four-channel Anti-lock Braking System
Seatbelt Reminder
Front seatbelt warning sensor
Front driver and passenger seatbelt warning sensors
Stability Control
Dynamic Stability Control
Dynamic Stability Control
Spec
Ghost
Phantom
Cruise Control
Dynamic Cruise Control; Active Cruise Control fitted to the referenced current vehicle
Dynamic Cruise Control; Active Cruise Control fitted to the referenced current vehicle
Adaptive Cruise Control
Active Cruise Control
Active Cruise Control
Lane Keep Assist
Lane Departure Warning with Active Return
Lane Departure Warning with Active Return
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Departure Warning with Active Return
Lane Departure Warning with Active Return
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Change Warning with Blind Spot Detection
Lane Change Warning with Blind Spot Detection
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Parking Sensors
Park Distance Control, front and rear
Park Distance Control, front and rear
Rear View Camera
Rear View Camera
Rear View Camera
360 Degree Camera
Surround View Camera with 3D view
Surround View Camera with 3D view
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Collision Warning with Brake Function; pedestrian/bike warning with brake function
Collision Warning with Brake Function; pedestrian/bike warning with brake function
Driver Fatigue Alert
Driver Attention Alert System
Alertness Assistant
Traffic Sign Recognition
Speed Limit Information
Speed Limit Information
Auto Highbeam
High-Beam Assistance
High-Beam Assistance
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing variable-speed windshield wipers
Rain-sensing variable-speed windshield wipers
Rear Parking Sensors
Park Distance Control, front and rear
Park Distance Control, front and rear
Reverse Camera
Rear View Camera
Rear View Camera
Adaptive Cruise Control
Active Cruise Control
Active Cruise Control
Park Assist
Park Assist and Reversing Assistant
Park Assist and Reversing Assistant
Around View Monitor
Surround View Camera with 3D view
Surround View Camera with 3D view
Blind Spot Warning
Lane Change Warning with Blind Spot Detection
Lane Change Warning with Blind Spot Detection
Forward Collision Warning
Collision Warning with Brake Function
Collision Warning with Brake Function
Spec
Ghost
Phantom
Seat Material
Leather, Duality Twill or Bespoke alternatives
A-grade leather hides with Bespoke alternatives
Heated Seats
Available, including rear-seat heating
Front and rear
Ventilated Seats
Available, including rear-seat cooling
Front ventilated seats fitted to the referenced exact 2026 vehicle
Ambient Lighting
Illuminated Fascia with celestial design
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Heated full-leather multifunction steering wheel
Heated full-leather multifunction steering wheel
60 40 Split Seat
No
No
Driver Seat Adjustment
Heated, electronically adjustable front seat with memory
Heated, electronically adjustable front seat with memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Heated, electronically adjustable front seat with memory
Heated, electronically adjustable front seat with memory
Seat Trim
Duality Twill embroidered seat upholstery available
Leather seat trim fitted to the referenced exact 2026 vehicle; Bespoke alternatives available
Spec
Ghost
Phantom
Climate Control
Automatic four-zone climate control
Automatic four-zone climate control
Power Windows
Front and rear power windows with one-touch up/down
Front and rear power windows with one-touch up/down
Keyless Entry
Comfort Access keyless entry
Comfort Access keyless entry
Push Button Start
Keyless start
Push Button Start
Wireless Charging
Wireless smartphone charging
Wireless smartphone charging
Sunroof
No
No
Electric Tailgate
Power open/close luggage compartment
Power open/close luggage compartment
Rain Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing variable-speed windshield wipers
Rain-sensing variable-speed windshield wipers
AC Type
Automatic four-zone climate control
Automatic four-zone climate control
Spec
Ghost
Phantom
Length
5545 mm
5762 mm
Width
1998 mm
2018 mm
Height
1573 mm
1646 mm
Wheelbase
3295 mm
3552 mm
Doors
4 doors
4 doors
Front Headroom
1030 mm
1046 mm
Payload Capacity
640 kg
675 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
90 l
Kerb Weight
2490 kg
2560 kg
Towing Capacity
0 kg
0 kg
Rear Headroom
990 mm
978 mm
Front Legroom
1060 mm
1041 mm
Rear Legroom
1075 mm
1105 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
118 mm
136 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
118 mm
136 mm
Boot/Cargo Space
500 l
530 l
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
3130 kg
3235 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Minimum Turning Radius
6.5 m
6.55 m
Spec
Ghost
Phantom
Engine
6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol
6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol
Cylinders
12
12
Valves
48
48
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Direct Injection
Compression Ratio
10.0:1
10.0:1
Drive Type
AWD
RWD
Top Speed
250 km/h
250 km/h
Engine Code
N74B68A
N74B68A
Cylinder Layout
V
V
Aspiration
Twin Turbocharged
Twin Turbocharged
Bore
89 mm
89 mm
Stroke
90.4 mm
90.4 mm
Drive Modes
Low
Low
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Displacement
6749 cc
6749 cc
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
0-100 km/h
4.8 sec
5.3 sec
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Maximum Power
420 kW @ 5000 rpm
420 kW @ 5000 rpm
Maximum Torque
850 Nm @ 1600 rpm
900 Nm @ 1700 rpm
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
168.7 kW/tonne
164.1 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
341.4 Nm/tonne
351.6 Nm/tonne
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Ghost
Phantom
Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay compatibility
Apple CarPlay compatibility
Android Auto
Android Auto compatibility
Android Auto compatibility
Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth wireless technology; rear passengers can pair headphones individually
Bluetooth wireless technology
Number of Speakers
16
16
Digital Instrument Cluster
SPIRIT digital instrument interface
12.3-inch colour TFT display with LED backlighting
Infotainment System
SPIRIT infotainment operated by touch, controller and voice commands; independent rear-screen streaming available
SPIRIT infotainment operated by touch, controller and voice commands
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch Central Information Display with touchscreen plus available independently streaming rear screens
10.25-inch Central Information Display with touchscreen, concealed behind retractable veneer when not in use
Touchscreen
10.25-inch Central Information Display with touchscreen plus available independently streaming rear screens
10.25-inch Central Information Display with touchscreen, concealed behind retractable veneer when not in use
USB Ports
USB Type-C ports
USB Type-C ports
Spec
Ghost
Phantom
LED Headlamps
LED and laser headlights with more than 600 m illuminated range
Rolls-Royce LED headlights
Daytime Running Lamps
Series II daytime-running lights
Daytime-running lights
Fog Lamps
Front fog lamps
Front fog lamps
Roof Rails
No; vehicle not approved for roof loads
No; vehicle not approved for roof loads
Headlights
LED and laser headlights with more than 600 m illuminated range
Rolls-Royce LED headlights
Panoramic Sunroof
No
No
Exterior Colour Options
Bespoke shades available, including Mustique Blue
Bespoke and two-tone exterior paint commissions
Spec
Ghost
Phantom
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
No lockable differential
No lockable differential
4WD System Type
Rolls-Royce all-wheel drive with all-wheel steering
Not Applicable
Spec
Ghost
Phantom
Tyre Size
255/35 R22 102Y front and 285/30 R22 104Y rear; 255/40 R21 102Y front and 285/35 R21 105Y rear; 255/45 R20 105Y front and 285/40 R20 108Y rear; 255/45 R20 105V M+S all-round
255/50 R21 109H M+S all-round; 255/45 R22 107Y front and 285/40 R22 110Y rear; 255/50 R21 109Y front and 285/45 R21 113Y rear
Front Brake Type
Power-assisted ventilated disc brakes
Power-assisted ventilated disc brakes
Rear Brake Type
Power-assisted ventilated disc brakes
Power-assisted ventilated disc brakes
Spare Wheel Type
No spare wheel
No spare wheel
Wheel Rim Size
20-, 21- and 22-inch approved fitments
21- and 22-inch approved fitments
Handbrake Type
Electromechanical parking brake acting on rear discs
Electromechanical parking brake acting on rear discs
Spec
Ghost
Phantom
Front Suspension
Planar Suspension with upper wishbone damper, electronic dampers and self-levelling air struts
Double-wishbone front axle with self-levelling air suspension
Rear Suspension
Five-link rear axle with self-levelling high-volume air suspension
Five-link rear axle with self-levelling air suspension
Spec
Ghost
Phantom
CO2 Emissions
357 g/km
361 g/km
Fuel Octane Requirement
95 RON; minimum 91 RON
95 RON; minimum 91 RON
Spec
Ghost
Phantom
Ownership Role
Owner-driver-focused saloon with genuine rear-passenger accommodation
Flagship saloon balancing owner driving with formal rear-passenger use
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
Ghost
Performance
100/100
Efficiency
30/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
64/100
Ownership
44/100
Phantom
Performance
96/100
Efficiency
29/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
67/100
Ownership
44/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Rolls-Royce Ghost
wins with 72 pts
vs 71 pts for Phantom
In structured scoring, Ghost emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Phantom may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Ghost edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: Ghost 30 vs Phantom 29. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: Ghost 99, Phantom 99. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: Ghost 44, Phantom 44. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: Ghost 64, Phantom 67. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Ghost 100, Phantom 96. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Ghost edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Ghost scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between Ghost and Phantom in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Ghost scores 100 vs 96.
Efficiency: Ghost scores 30 vs 29.
Safety: Ghost scores 99 vs 99.
Practicality: Ghost scores 64 vs 67.
Ownership: Ghost scores 44 vs 44.
Final structured scoring gives Ghost
the advantage in this comparison.
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