1978 Cadillac Seville vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Cadillac Seville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Cadillac Seville would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Cadillac Seville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 297 more horse power than 1978 Cadillac Seville. (123 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1978 Cadillac Seville. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Cadillac Seville weights approximately 690 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 415 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Cadillac Seville. (304 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Cadillac Seville.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Cadillac Seville | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Seville | W12 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 55 L |
