2009 BMW 335 vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2009 BMW 335 is newer by 12 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 120 more horse power than 2009 BMW 335. (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 335. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 335 weights approximately 400 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 312 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 335. (407 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 335. 1997 Volkswagen W12 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 335 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 335 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:
| 2009 BMW 335 | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 335 | W12 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2978 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 321 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
