What is the difference between a V12 engine and a W12 engine?

[OBarrett]

The difference between a V12 engine and a W12 engine lies in their cylinder arrangements: the cylinders in a V12 engine are arranged in a V shape at a 90-degree angle, while the W12 engine features two V-shaped cylinder banks, resulting in a more compact structure that can accommodate more cylinders. The function of an engine is to convert the thermal energy of gasoline or diesel into mechanical energy by burning the fuel in a sealed cylinder, causing the gas to expand and push the pistons to perform work. Engine maintenance methods include: 1. Regularly changing the oil and oil filter; 2. Using lubricating oil of the appropriate quality grade; 3. Periodically cleaning the radiator; 4. Regularly replacing the air filter, oil filter, and fuel filter; 5. Maintaining good crankcase ventilation and cleaning it regularly; 6. Periodically cleaning the fuel system.

[HoldenFitz]

The differences between V12 and W12 engine layouts are quite distinct. The V12 follows the traditional V-formation, with two banks of six cylinders arranged at a 60-degree angle, featuring symmetrical and balanced architecture that delivers silk-smooth operation. The W12, however, is essentially a modular concept—it combines two narrow-angle V6 engines side by side to form a W-shape. Its greatest advantage lies in compactness: consider how the Bentley Flying Spur accommodates a W12 while maintaining its streamlined profile; swapping in a V12 would necessitate elongating the front end. Another practical distinction is the valvetrain—V12s require two separate camshafts, making maintenance slightly more straightforward, whereas W12s share intricate valve mechanisms with precision components that incur higher long-term upkeep costs. Both represent the pinnacle of luxury automotive engineering, though both have become rarities in today’s electrification era.

[ZoeyDella]

The sound of these two engines is absolutely orgasmic. The V12 has inherent structural advantages, with even firing intervals, producing a dense and powerful exhaust note. The tuning on the Ferrari 812 is simply phenomenal. The W12, on the other hand, is essentially two VR6 engines combined, requiring balance shafts to eliminate vibrations, resulting in a slightly more mechanical and deeper sound—something Bentley owners surely appreciate. The differences in powertrain layout are more practical: the V12 must be longitudinally mounted, occupying the entire front end of the car, which is why supercars favor it. The W12 is significantly more compact, allowing the Volkswagen Group to mount it transversely with all-wheel drive. It fits into the Audi A8 chassis while still leaving room for steering. Here’s a fun fact: the W12 actually uses slightly less material than the V12, but its machining precision requirements are insanely high, making its overall cost even more expensive.

[DelBrooke]

From a disassembly perspective, the fundamental difference lies in cylinder arrangement. The V12 has two separate banks resembling spread wings, each with independent intake and exhaust systems. The W12 features four exhaust cylinders, forming a diamond pattern like two slanted V6 units combined. This layout gives the W12 a more concentrated center of gravity, enhancing cornering stability in vehicles like the Phaeton. However, the V12 holds a hidden advantage - naturally aspirated versions are more common, delivering that turbo-lag-free smoothness drivers cherish. Maintenance costs warrant mention - a friend who repaired an old V12 Mercedes needed to remove the entire intake manifold just to replace spark plugs, with labor costs equivalent to buying a Corolla. Though compact, replacing a W12's timing chain requires engine removal.