1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 183 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (237 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 363 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 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | W12 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4972 cc | 5584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 402 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 55 L |
