1946 Allard J1 vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1946 Allard J1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1946 Allard J1 would be higher. At 3,917 cc (8 cylinders), 1946 Allard J1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1946 Allard J1 (100 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1946 Allard J1 should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1946 Allard J1 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1974 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1946 Allard J1 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1946 Allard J1. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Renault 12, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1946 Allard J1 (305 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1946 Allard J1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1946 Allard J1 | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Allard | Renault |
| Model | J1 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1946 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3917 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2450 mm |
