1983 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2001 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Volkswagen Passat 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 531 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 1983 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, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (620 Nm @ 5800 RPM) has 520 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Volkswagen Passat | 2001 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat | W12 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 590 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2520 mm |
