1971 Chevrolet Vega 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 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 2,287 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chevrolet Vega (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chevrolet Vega should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet Vega weights approximately 105 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 Chevrolet Vega 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 Vega. 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 Chevrolet Vega (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet Vega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12. 1971 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1973 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1973 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Vega | 1973 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Renault |
| Model | Vega | 12 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 56 L |
