1990 BMW 850 vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 850 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 123 more horse power than 1990 BMW 850. (297 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 850 weights approximately 590 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 (719 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 269 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 850. (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 850. 1997 Volkswagen W12 has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 850 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 850 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:
1990 BMW 850 | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
Model | 850 | W12 |
Year Released | 1990 | 1997 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 4988 cc | 5600 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | W |
Horse Power | 297 HP | 420 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 450 Nm | 719 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90.3 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1200 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4410 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1930 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1110 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2550 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 55 L |