1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 vs. 1980 Renault 12
To start off, 1980 Renault 12 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,195 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 (120 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1980 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 should accelerate faster than 1980 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 510 kg more than 1980 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 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 Mercedes-Benz 220. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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 Mercedes-Benz 220 (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 | 1980 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Renault |
| Model | 220 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2195 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 143 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 56 L |
