1954 Oldsmobile 98 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 Oldsmobile 98. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Oldsmobile 98 would be higher. At 5,320 cc (8 cylinders), 1954 Oldsmobile 98 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Oldsmobile 98 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Oldsmobile 98 should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Oldsmobile 98 weights approximately 790 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 Oldsmobile 98 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 Oldsmobile 98. 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 Oldsmobile 98 (407 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 311 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1954 Oldsmobile 98 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Oldsmobile 98 | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Renault |
| Model | 98 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5320 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2450 mm |
