2006 BMW Z4 vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2006 BMW Z4 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 5,600 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2006 BMW Z4. (343 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW Z4 weights approximately 132 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 224 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW Z4. (495 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW Z4. 1997 Volkswagen W12 has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW Z4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen W12 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW Z4 | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | Z4 | W12 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 343 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 495 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 321 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
