1956 Fiat 1100 vs. 1973 Renault 12
To start off, 1973 Renault 12 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Fiat 1100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Fiat 1100 would be higher. At 1,288 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1956 Fiat 1100. (49 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1956 Fiat 1100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Renault 12 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1956 Fiat 1100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Fiat 1100 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 Fiat 1100. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1973 Renault 12 (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Fiat 1100. (73 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1973 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Fiat 1100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Fiat 1100 | 1973 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 1100 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1089 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.9 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 | 850 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 56 L |
