1959 Fiat 1500 vs. 1969 Renault 12
To start off, 1969 Renault 12 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1500 would be higher. At 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Fiat 1500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Fiat 1500 (80 HP) has 21 more horse power than 1969 Renault 12. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Fiat 1500 should accelerate faster than 1969 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Fiat 1500 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1969 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Fiat 1500 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 Fiat 1500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 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 Fiat 1500 (104 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Renault 12. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1959 Fiat 1500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1500 | 1969 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 1500 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 60 L |
