1997 Volkswagen W12 vs. 2011 Honda Ridgeline
To start off, 2011 Honda Ridgeline 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 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 170 more horse power than 2011 Honda Ridgeline. (250 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 2011 Honda Ridgeline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Honda Ridgeline weights approximately 261 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen W12.
Because 2011 Honda Ridgeline 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, 2011 Honda Ridgeline 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 383 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Honda Ridgeline. (336 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Honda Ridgeline.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen W12 | 2011 Honda Ridgeline | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Honda |
| Model | W12 | Ridgeline |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5600 cc | 3471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | W | V |
| Horse Power | 420 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 719 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 5260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 3110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 83 L |
