2006 BMW 325 vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2006 BMW 325 is newer by 9 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 205 more horse power than 2006 BMW 325. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 325 weights approximately 393 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 (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 325. (251 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 325 | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 325 | W12 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 5584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
