1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 270 more horse power than 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230. (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 95 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 503 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230. (216 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230. 1997 Volkswagen W12 has automatic transmission and 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 has manual transmission. 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 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:
| 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 230 | W12 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 321 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
