2009 BMW M3 vs. 2001 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen W12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen W12 would be higher. At 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (590 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 2009 BMW M3. (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW M3.
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, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (620 Nm @ 5800 RPM) has 325 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (295 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2001 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | W12 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 590 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 350 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2520 mm |
