1971 Renault 12 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 26 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 1,389 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1971 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1971 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 260 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.
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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Renault 12 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 12 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2520 mm |
