1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Alfa Romeo 2600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 would be higher. At 2,583 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 (163 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 weights approximately 420 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 1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 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 1966 Alfa Romeo 2600. 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, 1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Renault |
| Model | 2600 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2583 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2450 mm |
