1971 Chrysler Valiant 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 Chrysler Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chrysler Valiant 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 193 more horse power than 1971 Chrysler Valiant. (227 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1971 Chrysler Valiant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chrysler Valiant weights approximately 300 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 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Chrysler Valiant. (461 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Chrysler Valiant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chrysler Valiant | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Chrysler | Volkswagen |
| Model | Valiant | W12 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2550 mm |
