2002 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C 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 279 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 220 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 499 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz C | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | C | W12 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 321 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
