1952 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1952 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1952 Austin-Healey 100 (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1952 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Renault 12 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1952 Austin-Healey 100.
Because 1952 Austin-Healey 100 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 1952 Austin-Healey 100. 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, 1952 Austin-Healey 100 (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1952 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin-Healey 100 | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Renault |
| Model | 100 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2450 mm |
