1961 Abarth 600 vs. 1969 Renault 12
To start off, 1969 Renault 12 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Renault 12 (59 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 600. (47 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Renault 12 weights approximately 315 kg more than 1961 Abarth 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Abarth 600 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 1961 Abarth 600. 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, 1969 Renault 12 (96 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 600. (66 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1969 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 600 | 1969 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Abarth | Renault |
| Model | 600 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 60 L |
