1997 Volkswagen W12 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen W12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen W12 would be higher. At 5,584 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Touareg. (306 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Touareg. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 1248 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen W12.
Because 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen W12. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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 (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Touareg. (410 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Touareg.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen W12 | 2003 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | W12 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5584 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | W | V |
| Horse Power | 420 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.3 mm | 93 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 2400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 100 L |
