1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 2 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 5,584 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 291 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 348 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 (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 345 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (185 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | CLK | W12 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 5584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
