1956 Chevrolet Bel Air 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 Chevrolet Bel Air. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air would be higher. At 3,869 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12.
Because 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air 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 Chevrolet Bel Air. 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 Chevrolet Bel Air (278 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Renault |
| Model | Bel Air | 12 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3869 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2450 mm |
