1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air would be higher. At 3,860 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 676 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 1957 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 1957 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, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air (277 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Renault |
| Model | Bel Air | 12 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2450 mm |
