1971 AC 428 vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 AC 428. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 AC 428 would be higher. At 7,003 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1971 AC 428. (298 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1971 AC 428. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 AC 428 weights approximately 230 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 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 AC 428. (639 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 AC 428. 1997 Volkswagen W12 has automatic transmission and 1971 AC 428 has manual transmission. 1971 AC 428 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:
| 1971 AC 428 | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | AC | Volkswagen |
| Model | 428 | W12 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 7003 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 298 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 639 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2550 mm |
