1957 Fairthorpe Electron 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 Fairthorpe Electron. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Fairthorpe Electron would be higher. At 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Fairthorpe Electron (83 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Fairthorpe Electron should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Renault 12 weights approximately 408 kg more than 1957 Fairthorpe Electron.
Because 1957 Fairthorpe Electron 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 Fairthorpe Electron. 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 Fairthorpe Electron (99 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1957 Fairthorpe Electron will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Fairthorpe Electron | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Renault |
| Model | Electron | 12 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 99 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 542 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2450 mm |
