1957 Abarth 750 vs. 1979 Renault 12
To start off, 1979 Renault 12 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Abarth 750. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Abarth 750 would be higher. At 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 750. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 750. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Renault 12 weights approximately 365 kg more than 1957 Abarth 750. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Abarth 750 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 1957 Abarth 750. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1979 Renault 12 (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 750. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 750.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 750 | 1979 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Abarth | Renault |
| Model | 750 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2450 mm |
