1959 Berkeley B vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley B. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley B would be higher. At 5,584 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP) has 371 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley B. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley B. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 796 kg more than 1959 Berkeley B. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Volkswagen W12 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1997 Volkswagen W12. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley B, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 469 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley B. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley B.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley B | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Berkeley | Volkswagen |
| Model | B | W12 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 692 cc | 5584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 420 HP |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 356 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3250 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1790 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 55 L |
