1997 Volkswagen W12 vs. 2013 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2013 Ford Taurus is newer by 16 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 136 more horse power than 2013 Ford Taurus. (284 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 2013 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Ford Taurus weights approximately 634 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, 2013 Ford Taurus, 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 375 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Ford Taurus. (344 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen W12 | 2013 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | W12 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5600 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | W | V |
| Horse Power | 420 HP | 284 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 719 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1834 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 2177 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2868 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 75 L |
