1975 Honda Life vs. 2001 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Honda Life 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 560 more horse power than 1975 Honda Life. (30 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1975 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 710 kg more than 1975 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Volkswagen W12 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2001 Volkswagen W12. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Honda Life, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 @ 5800 RPM) has 592 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Honda Life. (28 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Honda Life | 2001 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Life | W12 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 30 HP | 590 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 350 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2520 mm |
