1951 GAZ M-20 vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 GAZ M-20. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 GAZ M-20 would be higher. At 5,600 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 369 more horse power than 1951 GAZ M-20. (51 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1951 GAZ M-20. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 GAZ M-20 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (719 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 594 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 GAZ M-20. (125 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 GAZ M-20. 1997 Volkswagen W12 has automatic transmission and 1951 GAZ M-20 has manual transmission. 1951 GAZ M-20 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen W12 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 GAZ M-20 | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | GAZ | Volkswagen |
| Model | M-20 | W12 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1997 |
| Engine Size | 2120 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2550 mm |
