1997 Volkswagen W12 vs. 1989 Volvo 440
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volvo 440. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volvo 440 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 311 more horse power than 1989 Volvo 440. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1989 Volvo 440. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1989 Volvo 440. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1989 Volvo 440, 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 576 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volvo 440. (143 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volvo 440. 1997 Volkswagen W12 has automatic transmission and 1989 Volvo 440 has manual transmission. 1989 Volvo 440 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:
| 1997 Volkswagen W12 | 1989 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | W12 | 440 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5600 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | W | in-line |
| Horse Power | 420 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 719 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 321 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
