2004 Toyota Solara vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2004 Toyota Solara is newer by 7 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 258 more horse power than 2004 Toyota Solara. (162 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 2004 Toyota Solara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Toyota Solara weights approximately 243 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen W12.
Because 1997 Volkswagen W12 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 1997 Volkswagen W12. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Toyota Solara, 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 306 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Toyota Solara. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Toyota Solara.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Toyota Solara | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Solara | W12 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2359 cc | 5584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2540 mm |
