1997 Volkswagen W12 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (429 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen W12. (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen W12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 895 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.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL. (699 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Volkswagen W12 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | W12 | CL |
Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 5600 cc | 4700 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | W | V |
Horse Power | 420 HP | 429 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 719 Nm | 699 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 2095 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 5095 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1872 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1417 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2954 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 90 L |