1959 Mitsubishi A10 vs. 1973 Renault 12
To start off, 1973 Renault 12 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Mitsubishi A10. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Mitsubishi A10 would be higher. At 1,288 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1959 Mitsubishi A10. (20 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1959 Mitsubishi A10. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Renault 12 weights approximately 425 kg more than 1959 Mitsubishi A10. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Mitsubishi A10 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 Mitsubishi A10. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1973 Renault 12 (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Mitsubishi A10. (34 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1973 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Mitsubishi A10.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Mitsubishi A10 | 1973 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Renault |
| Model | A10 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1973 |
| Engine Size | 493 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 34 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 475 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3150 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2070 mm | 2450 mm |
