1959 Renault Dauphine vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Renault Dauphine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Renault Dauphine would be higher. At 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1959 Renault Dauphine. (33 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1959 Renault Dauphine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Renault 12 weights approximately 318 kg more than 1959 Renault Dauphine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Renault Dauphine 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 Renault Dauphine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1974 Renault 12 (96 Nm) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Renault Dauphine. (45 Nm). This means 1974 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Renault Dauphine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Renault Dauphine | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Renault | Renault |
| Model | Dauphine | 12 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 845 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 33 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 632 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2450 mm |
