1998 BMW 320 vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1998 BMW 320 is newer by 1 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 286 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 276 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 439 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 320 | W12 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 207 km/hour | 321 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1476 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
