1962 Reliant Sabre 4 vs. 1969 Renault 12
To start off, 1969 Renault 12 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Reliant Sabre 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Reliant Sabre 4 would be higher. At 1,702 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Reliant Sabre 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Reliant Sabre 4 (70 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1969 Renault 12. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Reliant Sabre 4 should accelerate faster than 1969 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Renault 12 weights approximately 113 kg more than 1962 Reliant Sabre 4.
Because 1962 Reliant Sabre 4 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 1962 Reliant Sabre 4. 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, 1962 Reliant Sabre 4 (123 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1962 Reliant Sabre 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Reliant Sabre 4 | 1969 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Reliant | Renault |
| Model | Sabre 4 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1702 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 797 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 60 L |
