1959 Abarth 1000 vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 1000 would be higher. At 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Abarth 1000 (88 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Abarth 1000 should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Renault 12 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1959 Abarth 1000.
Because 1959 Abarth 1000 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 1959 Abarth 1000. 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, 1959 Abarth 1000 (97 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Abarth 1000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 1000 | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Abarth | Renault |
| Model | 1000 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2450 mm |
