1997 Volkswagen W12 vs. 2009 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2009 Subaru Legacy is newer by 12 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 5,600 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 272 more horse power than 2009 Subaru Legacy. (148 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 2009 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 358 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen W12.
Because 2009 Subaru Legacy is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen W12. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Legacy 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 (719 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 369 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Subaru Legacy. (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Subaru Legacy. 1997 Volkswagen W12 has automatic transmission and 2009 Subaru Legacy has manual transmission. 2009 Subaru Legacy 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 | 2009 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Subaru |
| Model | W12 | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5600 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | W | boxer |
| Horse Power | 420 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 719 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 321 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1558 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1535 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L |
