1959 Fairthorpe Zeta vs. 1979 Renault 12
To start off, 1979 Renault 12 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1979 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta should accelerate faster than 1979 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Renault 12 weights approximately 277 kg more than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta.
Because 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta 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 Fairthorpe Zeta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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 Fairthorpe Zeta (217 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta | 1979 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Renault |
| Model | Zeta | 12 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 673 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2450 mm |
