1960 Mazda R 360 vs. 1976 Renault 12
To start off, 1976 Renault 12 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Mazda R 360. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Mazda R 360 would be higher. At 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1960 Mazda R 360. (16 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1960 Mazda R 360. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Renault 12 weights approximately 526 kg more than 1960 Mazda R 360. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Mazda R 360 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 1960 Mazda R 360. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 1976 Renault 12 (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Mazda R 360. (22 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Mazda R 360.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Mazda R 360 | 1976 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Mazda | Renault |
| Model | R 360 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1976 |
| Engine Size | 355 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 16 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 22 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 77 mm |
| Top Speed | 80 km/hour | 143 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 380 kg | 906 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2990 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1770 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 56 L |
