2005 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 8 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. (201 HP @ 1800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 570 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 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. (479 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | W12 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3220 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 1800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 479 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 235 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 | 1770 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 55 L |
