1998 Lancia Kappa vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1998 Lancia Kappa 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 203 more horse power than 1998 Lancia Kappa. (217 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1998 Lancia Kappa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Lancia Kappa weights approximately 255 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, 1998 Lancia Kappa, 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 410 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lancia Kappa. (309 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lancia Kappa. 1997 Volkswagen W12 has automatic transmission and 1998 Lancia Kappa has manual transmission. 1998 Lancia Kappa 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:
| 1998 Lancia Kappa | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kappa | W12 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1928 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 309 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1455 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2550 mm |
