1997 Volkswagen W12 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 156 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (264 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 615 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen W12.
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 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen W12 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | W12 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5600 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | W | V |
| Horse Power | 420 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 719 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 321 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
