1946 Austin 16 vs. 2001 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1946 Austin 16. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1946 Austin 16 would be higher. At 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (590 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 527 more horse power than 1946 Austin 16. (63 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1946 Austin 16. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1946 Austin 16 weights approximately 80 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen W12.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (620 Nm @ 5800 RPM) has 474 more torque (in Nm) than 1946 Austin 16. (146 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1946 Austin 16.
Compare all specifications:
| 1946 Austin 16 | 2001 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | 16 | W12 |
| Year Released | 1946 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 590 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 121 km/hour | 350 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2520 mm |
