1972 Dodge Charger vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Dodge Charger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Dodge Charger would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Dodge Charger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1972 Dodge Charger. (256 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1972 Dodge Charger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Dodge Charger weights approximately 558 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 (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Dodge Charger. (470 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Dodge Charger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Dodge Charger | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Charger | W12 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 5584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 470 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 110.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2540 mm |
