1970 Porsche 914 vs. 1975 Renault 12
To start off, 1975 Renault 12 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Porsche 914. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Porsche 914 would be higher. At 1,677 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Porsche 914 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Porsche 914 (79 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1975 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Porsche 914 should accelerate faster than 1975 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Renault 12 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1970 Porsche 914.
Because 1970 Porsche 914 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 Porsche 914. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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 Porsche 914 (136 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Porsche 914 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Porsche 914 | 1975 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Porsche | Renault |
| Model | 914 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1677 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2450 mm |
