1971 Cadillac Fleetwood vs. 1972 Renault 12
To start off, 1972 Renault 12 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood would be higher. At 7,725 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood (345 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 292 more horse power than 1972 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood should accelerate faster than 1972 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood weights approximately 1269 kg more than 1972 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood 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 Cadillac Fleetwood. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 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 Cadillac Fleetwood (679 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 583 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Renault 12. 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood has automatic transmission and 1972 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1972 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood | 1972 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Renault |
| Model | Fleetwood | 12 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7725 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 679 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2223 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5810 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3380 mm | 2450 mm |
