1968 Reliant Regal 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 Reliant Regal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Reliant Regal would be higher. At 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1968 Reliant Regal. (29 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1968 Reliant Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Renault 12 weights approximately 445 kg more than 1968 Reliant Regal. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Reliant Regal 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 Reliant Regal. 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, 1974 Renault 12 (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Reliant Regal. (46 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1974 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Reliant Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Reliant Regal | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Reliant | Renault |
| Model | Regal | 12 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 700 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 46 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60.4 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 77 mm |
| Top Speed | 120 km/hour | 143 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 455 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3440 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1940 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 56 L |
