1999 TVR Speed 12 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1999 TVR Speed 12 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 7,728 cc (12 cylinders), 1999 TVR Speed 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 TVR Speed 12 (790 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 682 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (108 HP @ 4150 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 TVR Speed 12 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 375 kg more than 1999 TVR Speed 12.
Because 1999 TVR Speed 12 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 1999 TVR Speed 12. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1999 TVR Speed 12 (881 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 646 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (235 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1999 TVR Speed 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 TVR Speed 12 | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | TVR | Volkswagen |
| Model | Speed 12 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 7728 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 790 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 4150 RPM |
| Torque | 881 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |
