1973 Renault 12 vs. 1956 Renault Dauphine
To start off, 1973 Renault 12 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Renault Dauphine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Renault Dauphine would be higher. At 1,288 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1956 Renault Dauphine. (33 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1956 Renault Dauphine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Renault 12 weights approximately 268 kg more than 1956 Renault Dauphine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Renault Dauphine 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 1956 Renault Dauphine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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 Renault 12 (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Renault Dauphine. (46 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1973 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Renault Dauphine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Renault 12 | 1956 Renault Dauphine | |
| Make | Renault | Renault |
| Model | 12 | Dauphine |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 845 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 33 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 46 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 54.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 143 km/hour | 111 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 632 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 38 L |
