1954 Buick 40 vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Buick 40 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 227 more horse power than 1954 Buick 40. (193 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1954 Buick 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Buick 40 weights approximately 520 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 309 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Buick 40. (410 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Buick 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Buick 40 | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | 40 | W12 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5279 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1200 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2550 mm |
