2009 Fiat Panda vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2009 Fiat Panda 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 5,584 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 351 more horse power than 2009 Fiat Panda. (69 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 2009 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 12 kg more than 2009 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen W12. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Fiat Panda will offer significantly more control. 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 2009 Fiat Panda. (180 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat Panda | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Panda | W12 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1248 cc | 5584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 55 L |
