1959 Austin-Healey 3000 vs. 1977 Renault 12
To start off, 1977 Renault 12 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 would be higher. At 2,911 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 (124 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1977 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 should accelerate faster than 1977 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 weights approximately 193 kg more than 1977 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 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 Austin-Healey 3000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 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 Austin-Healey 3000 (237 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 | 1977 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Renault |
| Model | 3000 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2911 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1143 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2450 mm |
