The energy differences (Delta E) between the benzene and the corresponding Dewar benzene forms of seven substituted benzenes and three [6]paracyclophanes were calculated by ab initio methods with basis sets ranging from split valence type to triple-zeta plus polarization type. Correlation effects were taken into account using second-order Moller-Plesset perturbation theory (MP2). The results show that among all the investigated molecules the isomerization energy is largest for benzene itself; that is, benzene is 79 kcal/mol more stable than its Dewar form. Both, electron-accepting substituents and electron-donating substituents lower Delta E. Steric repulsion between substituents in the ortho position additionally destabilizes the benzene form relative to the Dewar form. [6]Paracyclophanes are influenced by substitution effects in the same way as the unbridged compounds. This finding can be interpreted as a further criterion for the aromaticity of the strongly deformed benzene ring in [6]paracyclophanes. Due to the deformation of the benzene ring, the Delta E values for the investigated [6]paracyclophanes are found to be considerably lower than those of the corresponding benzenes (about 25 kcal/mol). Our results are found to agree with the experimental isomerization enthalpies of hexamethylbenzene and perfluorohexamethylbenzene to within 5 kcal/mol, while a large discrepancy between theory and experiment is obtained for 8,9-dicarbethoxy[6]paracyclophane.