1970 Porsche 914 vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Porsche 914. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Porsche 914 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 341 more horse power than 1970 Porsche 914. (79 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1970 Porsche 914. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 227 kg more than 1970 Porsche 914. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 394 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Porsche 914. (136 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Porsche 914.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Porsche 914 | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | 914 | W12 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1677 cc | 5584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
