1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire would be higher. At 2,307 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire (85 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire weights approximately 460 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 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 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 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. 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, 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire (160 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Armstrong Siddeley | Renault |
| Model | Sapphire | 12 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2440 mm |
