1993 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Mercedes-Benz C 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 230 more horse power than 1993 Mercedes-Benz C. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1993 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 290 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 449 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Mercedes-Benz C. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Mercedes-Benz C. 1997 Volkswagen W12 has automatic transmission and 1993 Mercedes-Benz C has manual transmission. 1993 Mercedes-Benz C 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:
| 1993 Mercedes-Benz C | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | C | W12 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 55 L |
