2008 BMW 318 vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 11 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 293 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 353 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 350 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 318 | W12 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 5584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
