1971 Opel Rekord 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 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 1,492 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Opel Rekord (59 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Opel Rekord weights approximately 76 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 Opel Rekord 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 Opel Rekord. 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 Opel Rekord (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Opel Rekord | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Opel | Renault |
| Model | Rekord | 12 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1492 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2450 mm |
