1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B (136 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B weights approximately 755 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 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B 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 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B. 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, 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B (219 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Renault |
| Model | 300B | 12 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2450 mm |
