1968 Peugeot 204 vs. 1971 Renault 12
To start off, 1971 Renault 12 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Peugeot 204. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Peugeot 204 would be higher. At 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1968 Peugeot 204. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1968 Peugeot 204. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Renault 12 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1968 Peugeot 204. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1971 Renault 12 (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Peugeot 204. (84 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Peugeot 204.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Peugeot 204 | 1971 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Peugeot | Renault |
| Model | 204 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1130 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 56 L |
