1972 BMW Turbo vs. 2001 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW Turbo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW Turbo would be higher. At 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (590 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 461 more horse power than 1972 BMW Turbo. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW Turbo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 216 kg more than 1972 BMW Turbo. 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, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (620 Nm) has 443 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW Turbo. (177 Nm). This means 2001 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW Turbo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW Turbo | 2001 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | Turbo | W12 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 590 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 350 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 3.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
