1963 Reliant Sabre 4 vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Reliant Sabre 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Reliant Sabre 4 would be higher. At 1,703 cc (4 cylinders), 1963 Reliant Sabre 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Reliant Sabre 4 (70 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Reliant Sabre 4 should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Renault 12 weights approximately 153 kg more than 1963 Reliant Sabre 4.
Because 1963 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 1963 Reliant Sabre 4. 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, 1963 Reliant Sabre 4 (123 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1963 Reliant Sabre 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Reliant Sabre 4 | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Reliant | Renault |
| Model | Sabre 4 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1703 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 797 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2450 mm |
