1973 Renault 12 vs. 1959 Rover P5
To start off, 1973 Renault 12 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Rover P5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Rover P5 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Rover P5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Rover P5 (106 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Rover P5 should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Rover P5 weights approximately 684 kg more than 1973 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Rover P5 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 1959 Rover P5. 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, 1959 Rover P5 (222 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Rover P5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Renault 12 | 1959 Rover P5 | |
| Make | Renault | Rover |
| Model | 12 | P5 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 77.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 105 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 63 L |
