1972 Porsche 911 vs. 1979 Renault 12
To start off, 1979 Renault 12 is newer by 7 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 2,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Porsche 911 (210 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1979 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1979 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Porsche 911 weights approximately 106 kg more than 1979 Renault 12. 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, 1979 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, 1972 Porsche 911 (255 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Porsche 911 | 1979 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Porsche | Renault |
| Model | 911 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2687 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1056 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2450 mm |
