1997 Volkswagen W12 vs. 2011 Ferrari 599
To start off, 2011 Ferrari 599 is newer by 14 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 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Ferrari 599 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ferrari 599 (652 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen W12. (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ferrari 599 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen W12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ferrari 599 weights approximately 405 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen W12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Ferrari 599. (620 Nm @ 6500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Ferrari 599. 1997 Volkswagen W12 has automatic transmission and 2011 Ferrari 599 has manual transmission. 2011 Ferrari 599 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 | 2011 Ferrari 599 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ferrari |
| Model | W12 | 599 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5600 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | W | V |
| Horse Power | 420 HP | 652 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 719 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 321 km/hour | 335 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4666 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1336 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 105 L |
