1971 Renault 12 vs. 1988 De Tomaso Longchamp
To start off, 1988 De Tomaso Longchamp is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Renault 12 would be higher. At 5,763 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 De Tomaso Longchamp is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 De Tomaso Longchamp (296 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 243 more horse power than 1971 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 De Tomaso Longchamp should accelerate faster than 1971 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 De Tomaso Longchamp weights approximately 800 kg more than 1971 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 De Tomaso Longchamp 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 1988 De Tomaso Longchamp. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 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, 1988 De Tomaso Longchamp (450 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 356 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 De Tomaso Longchamp will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Renault 12. 1988 De Tomaso Longchamp has automatic transmission and 1971 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1971 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 De Tomaso Longchamp will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Renault 12 | 1988 De Tomaso Longchamp | |
| Make | Renault | De Tomaso |
| Model | 12 | Longchamp |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 5763 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2610 mm |
