1972 Porsche 911 vs. 1978 Renault 4
To start off, 1978 Renault 4 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 2,341 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Porsche 911 (131 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1978 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Porsche 911 weights approximately 362 kg more than 1978 Renault 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Porsche 911 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 1972 Porsche 911. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Renault 4, 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, 1972 Porsche 911 (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 4. (72 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1972 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Porsche 911 | 1978 Renault 4 | |
| Make | Porsche | Renault |
| Model | 911 | 4 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2341 cc | 1108 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 72 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70.4 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1077 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2410 mm |
