1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 7,446 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (225 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 1155 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 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. 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 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 402 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12. 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight has automatic transmission and 1974 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1974 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Renault |
| Model | Ninety-Eight | 12 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7446 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 498 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2105 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5900 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 2450 mm |
