2005 Mercury Monterey vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2005 Mercury Monterey 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 222 more horse power than 2005 Mercury Monterey. (198 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercury Monterey. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 849 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, 2005 Mercury Monterey, 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 (719 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 360 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercury Monterey. (359 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercury Monterey.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercury Monterey | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Monterey | W12 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2049 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3070 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 55 L |
