1969 Opel Olympia vs. 1973 Renault 12
To start off, 1973 Renault 12 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Opel Olympia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Opel Olympia would be higher. At 1,288 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Opel Olympia (58 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Opel Olympia should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Renault 12 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1969 Opel Olympia.
Because 1969 Opel Olympia 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 1969 Opel Olympia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1973 Renault 12 (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Opel Olympia. (83 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1973 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Opel Olympia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Opel Olympia | 1973 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Opel | Renault |
| Model | Olympia | 12 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1078 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 56 L |
