1958 Aston Martin DB4 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 Aston Martin DB4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Aston Martin DB4 would be higher. At 3,668 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Aston Martin DB4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Aston Martin DB4 (240 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Aston Martin DB4 should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Aston Martin DB4 weights approximately 358 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 1958 Aston Martin DB4 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 Aston Martin DB4. 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 Aston Martin DB4 (325 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1958 Aston Martin DB4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Aston Martin DB4 | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Renault |
| Model | DB4 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3668 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1308 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2450 mm |
