1965 Bristol 408 vs. 1972 Renault 12
To start off, 1972 Renault 12 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Bristol 408. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Bristol 408 would be higher. At 5,130 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Bristol 408 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Bristol 408 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1972 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Bristol 408 should accelerate faster than 1972 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Bristol 408 weights approximately 631 kg more than 1972 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 Bristol 408 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 1965 Bristol 408. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 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, 1965 Bristol 408 (464 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 368 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1965 Bristol 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Renault 12. 1965 Bristol 408 has automatic transmission and 1972 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1972 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1965 Bristol 408 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1965 Bristol 408 | 1972 Renault 12 | |
Make | Bristol | Renault |
Model | 408 | 12 |
Year Released | 1965 | 1972 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5130 cc | 1289 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 215 HP | 53 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 464 Nm | 96 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 954 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4410 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2450 mm |