1997 Volkswagen W12 vs. 2012 Citroen C5
To start off, 2012 Citroen C5 is newer by 15 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 314 more horse power than 2012 Citroen C5. (106 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 2012 Citroen C5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Citroen C5 weights approximately 327 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen W12.
Because 1997 Volkswagen W12 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1997 Volkswagen W12. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Citroen C5, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 469 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Citroen C5. (250 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Citroen C5. 1997 Volkswagen W12 has automatic transmission and 2012 Citroen C5 has manual transmission. 2012 Citroen C5 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 | 2012 Citroen C5 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Citroen |
| Model | W12 | C5 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5600 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | W | in-line |
| Horse Power | 420 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 719 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.3 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 321 km/hour | 186 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1527 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 68 L |
