2006 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S 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 179 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz S. (241 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz S.
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 369 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz S. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz S | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | W12 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3720 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Horse Power | 241 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 55 L |
