1997 Volkswagen W12 vs. 1990 Volvo 960
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volvo 960. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volvo 960 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 216 more horse power than 1990 Volvo 960. (204 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1990 Volvo 960. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volvo 960 weights approximately 356 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 452 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volvo 960. (267 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volvo 960. 1997 Volkswagen W12 has automatic transmission and 1990 Volvo 960 has manual transmission. 1990 Volvo 960 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 | 1990 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | W12 | 960 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5600 cc | 2922 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | W | in-line |
| Horse Power | 420 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 719 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 321 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1556 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
