1981 BMW 725 vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 725 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 272 more horse power than 1981 BMW 725. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 725.
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 315 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 725. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 725.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 725 | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 725 | W12 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 5584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2540 mm |
