1973 Opel Commodore vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Opel Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Opel Commodore would be higher. At 2,488 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Opel Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Opel Commodore (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Opel Commodore should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Opel Commodore weights approximately 220 kg more than 1974 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Opel Commodore 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 1973 Opel Commodore. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1973 Opel Commodore (177 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Opel Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Opel Commodore | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Opel | Renault |
| Model | Commodore | 12 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2450 mm |
