1985 TVR 390 vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 TVR 390. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 TVR 390 would be higher. At 5,600 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1985 TVR 390. (275 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1985 TVR 390. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 93 kg more than 1985 TVR 390. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 352 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 TVR 390. (367 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 TVR 390. 1997 Volkswagen W12 has automatic transmission and 1985 TVR 390 has manual transmission. 1985 TVR 390 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen W12 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 TVR 390 | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | TVR | Volkswagen |
| Model | 390 | W12 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3905 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 367 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.8 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.1 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 321 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
