1956 Aston Martin DB3 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 Aston Martin DB3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Aston Martin DB3 would be higher. At 2,920 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Aston Martin DB3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Aston Martin DB3 (210 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Aston Martin DB3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Renault 12 weights approximately 36 kg more than 1956 Aston Martin DB3.
Because 1956 Aston Martin DB3 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 Aston Martin DB3. 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 Aston Martin DB3 (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1956 Aston Martin DB3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Aston Martin DB3 | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Renault |
| Model | DB3 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2920 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 914 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1050 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2450 mm |
