2005 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2001 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen W12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen W12 would be higher. At 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (590 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 441 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (149 HP @ 1750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 174 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen W12.
Because 2001 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 2001 Volkswagen W12. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (620 Nm @ 5800 RPM) has 410 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volkswagen Passat | 2001 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat | W12 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 590 HP |
| Engine RPM | 1750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 221 km/hour | 350 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 3.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
