1958 Austin A135 vs. 1978 Renault 12
To start off, 1978 Renault 12 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Austin A135. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Austin A135 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Austin A135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Austin A135 (150 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1978 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Austin A135 should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Austin A135 weights approximately 1130 kg more than 1978 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Austin A135 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 Austin A135. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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 Austin A135 (308 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1958 Austin A135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
1958 Austin A135 | 1978 Renault 12 | |
Make | Austin | Renault |
Model | A135 | 12 |
Year Released | 1958 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1289 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 53 HP |
Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 308 Nm | 96 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 2080 kg | 950 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4410 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2450 mm |