1971 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chevrolet Impala (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 765 kg more than 1974 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Chevrolet Impala 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 Chevrolet Impala. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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 Chevrolet Impala (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Impala | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Renault |
| Model | Impala | 12 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2450 mm |
