1959 Aston Martin DB4 vs. 1972 Renault 12
To start off, 1972 Renault 12 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Aston Martin DB4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Aston Martin DB4 would be higher. At 3,670 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Aston Martin DB4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Aston Martin DB4 (256 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1972 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Aston Martin DB4 should accelerate faster than 1972 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Aston Martin DB4 weights approximately 444 kg more than 1972 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 Aston Martin DB4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 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 Aston Martin DB4 (360 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Aston Martin DB4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Aston Martin DB4 | 1972 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Renault |
| Model | DB4 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3670 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 143 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 906 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 86 L | 56 L |
