1970 Renault 12 vs. 1998 Volvo S80
To start off, 1998 Volvo S80 is newer by 28 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 2,461 cc (5 cylinders), 1998 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volvo S80 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1970 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1970 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volvo S80 weights approximately 754 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 Volvo S80 (290 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Renault 12. (95 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Renault 12 | 1998 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Renault | Volvo |
| Model | 12 | S80 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 2461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Top Speed | 143 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 9.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 80 L |
