1977 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 5,584 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 361 more horse power than 1977 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1977 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 272 kg more than 1977 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Volkswagen W12. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (530 Nm) has 435 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Volkswagen Passat | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat | W12 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 5584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2540 mm |
