What is the difference between a W12 engine and a V12 engine?
2 Answers
The differences between a W12 engine and a V12 engine are: 1. Different structures: The W12 engine has a compact structure that can accommodate more cylinders; the V12 engine has a simple structure with good operational balance and small size. 2. Different arrangement methods: The W12 engine adopts a W-type arrangement; the V12 engine adopts a V-type arrangement. An engine is a machine that can convert other forms of energy into mechanical energy, including internal combustion engines, external combustion engines, jet engines, and electric motors. Its function is to convert the heat energy of gasoline into mechanical energy by expanding the gas after combustion in a sealed cylinder to push the piston to do work, thereby providing power for the car.
Although both W12 and V12 are 12-cylinder engines, their structures differ significantly. The V12 is like placing two inline-six engines side by side at a 60-degree angle, resulting in a longer layout that occupies more space in the engine bay. The W12, however, is different—it essentially combines two VR6 engines at a 72-degree angle. Since the VR6 itself is very compact, the W12 ends up being more compact overall. This design allows it to fit 12 cylinders in a limited space, making it particularly favored by luxury grand tourers like the Bentley Continental. However, the tighter arrangement of parts in the W12 can make maintenance more challenging. Overall, the W12 suits models with space constraints, while the V12 maintains the traditional prestige of large-displacement engines.
