1970 Renault 12 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1981 Volvo 240 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Renault 12 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 240 (106 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1970 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 240 should accelerate faster than 1970 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 390 kg more than 1970 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Volvo 240 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 1981 Volvo 240. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 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, 1981 Volvo 240 (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Renault 12. (95 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Renault 12 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Renault | Volvo |
| Model | 12 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2660 mm |
