Brazil vs Germany — 1972 vs 2002
| SP2 | Phaeton W12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 75 hp | 450 hp |
| Torque | — | 413 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,679 cc | 5,998 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 5.8 sec |
| Top Speed | — | 155 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 14.1 sec |
| Weight | — | 5,121 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm | 2,881 mm |
| Length | 4,135 mm | 5,055 mm |
| Units Produced | 10,205 | 84,235 |
| Original MSRP | — | $100,255 |
| Value (Excellent) | $40,000 | $30,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1972 Volkswagen SP2 brings greater rarity to the table, and the 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton W12 answers with more power, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Volkswagen has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1972 Volkswagen SP2 with the 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton W12 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton W12 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 450 hp compared to 75 hp, a 375-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Volkswagen SP2 uses a Flat-4 displacing 1,679 cc, while the Volkswagen Phaeton relies on a W12 with 5,998 cc. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 10,205 units built, the 1972 Volkswagen SP2 is considerably scarcer than the Volkswagen Phaeton's 84,235 examples.