1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne would be higher. At 5,317 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne weights approximately 810 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 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne 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 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne. 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, 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne (441 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 345 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Renault |
| Model | Grande Parisienne | 12 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5317 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 441 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2450 mm |
