2005 Subaru Forester vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2005 Subaru Forester 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 5,584 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 257 more horse power than 2005 Subaru Forester. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 2005 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Subaru Forester weights approximately 248 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen W12.
Because 2005 Subaru Forester is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen W12. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Subaru Forester will offer significantly more control. 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 305 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Subaru Forester. (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Subaru Forester.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Subaru Forester | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Forester | W12 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2457 cc | 5584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | W |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
