1971 Buick GS vs. 1973 Renault 12
To start off, 1973 Renault 12 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Buick GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Buick GS would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Buick GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Buick GS (190 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick GS should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick GS weights approximately 682 kg more than 1973 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Buick GS 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 1971 Buick GS. 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, 1971 Buick GS (394 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 298 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Buick GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick GS | 1973 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Buick | Renault |
| Model | GS | 12 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 394 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2450 mm |
