1973 Renault 12 vs. 1980 Volvo 245
To start off, 1980 Volvo 245 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Renault 12 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 245 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volvo 245 (81 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volvo 245 should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 245 weights approximately 440 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 1980 Volvo 245 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 1980 Volvo 245. 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, 1980 Volvo 245 (157 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Volvo 245 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Renault 12 | 1980 Volvo 245 | |
| Make | Renault | Volvo |
| Model | 12 | 245 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2660 mm |
