1971 Renault 12 vs. 1997 Volvo S70
To start off, 1997 Volvo S70 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 2,319 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Volvo S70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volvo S70 (238 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1971 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volvo S70 should accelerate faster than 1971 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volvo S70 weights approximately 600 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 Volvo S70 (330 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Volvo S70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Renault 12 | 1997 Volvo S70 | |
| Make | Renault | Volvo |
| Model | 12 | S70 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 2319 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 58 L |
