1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 898 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen W12. (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen W12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | W12 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 5584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.2 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
