1958 AC Ace vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 AC Ace. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 AC Ace would be higher. At 1,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 AC Ace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 AC Ace (125 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 AC Ace should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Renault 12 weights approximately 54 kg more than 1958 AC Ace.
Because 1958 AC Ace 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 1958 AC Ace. 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, 1958 AC Ace (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1958 AC Ace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 AC Ace | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | AC | Renault |
| Model | Ace | 12 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 896 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2450 mm |
