1970 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1978 Renault 12
To start off, 1978 Renault 12 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,290 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1978 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 40 kg more than 1978 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider 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 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider (138 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1978 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Renault |
| Model | Spider | 12 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2450 mm |
