1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 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 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 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 312 more horse power than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. (108 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 weights approximately 150 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 532 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. (187 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. 1997 Volkswagen W12 has automatic transmission and 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 has manual transmission. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 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:
1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
Model | 230.4 | W12 |
Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 2307 cc | 5600 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | W |
Horse Power | 108 HP | 420 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 187 Nm | 719 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93.7 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 90.3 mm |
Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 321 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1200 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4410 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1930 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1110 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2550 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |