1986 Cadillac Allante vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Cadillac Allante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Cadillac Allante 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 251 more horse power than 1986 Cadillac Allante. (169 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1986 Cadillac Allante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Cadillac Allante weights approximately 390 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen W12.
Because 1997 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 1997 Volkswagen W12. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Cadillac Allante, 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (719 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 395 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Cadillac Allante. (324 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Cadillac Allante.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Cadillac Allante | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Allante | W12 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4087 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 321 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
