1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica 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 Ferrari 400 Superamerica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica 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 @ 5800 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica. (335 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica weights approximately 438 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 (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica. (305 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Volkswagen |
| Model | 400 Superamerica | W12 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3967 cc | 5584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 119 L | 55 L |
