1961 Austin Princess vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin Princess. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin Princess would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Austin Princess is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Austin Princess (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Austin Princess should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin Princess weights approximately 1230 kg more than 1974 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Austin Princess 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 Austin Princess. 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, 1961 Austin Princess (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1961 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin Princess | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | Princess | 12 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2450 mm |
