1998 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 5,786 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL. (367 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 755 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 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL. (530 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | CL | W12 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5786 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Horse Power | 367 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 321 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 55 L |
