1971 Renault 12 vs. 1963 Renault 4
To start off, 1971 Renault 12 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Renault 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Renault 4 would be higher. At 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1963 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1963 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Renault 12 weights approximately 240 kg more than 1963 Renault 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Renault 12 (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Renault 4. (58 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Renault 12 | 1963 Renault 4 | |
| Make | Renault | Renault |
| Model | 12 | 4 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 845 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 58 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 38 L |
