2002 BMW 330 vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2002 BMW 330 is newer by 5 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 219 more horse power than 2002 BMW 330. (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 330 weights approximately 375 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 319 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 330. (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 330. 1997 Volkswagen W12 has automatic transmission and 2002 BMW 330 has manual transmission. 2002 BMW 330 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:
| 2002 BMW 330 | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 330 | W12 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 242 km/hour | 321 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
