1973 Renault 12 vs. 1983 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1983 Nissan Laurel is newer by 10 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 1,952 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Nissan Laurel (102 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 170 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 1983 Nissan Laurel 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 1983 Nissan Laurel. 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, 1983 Nissan Laurel (162 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12. 1983 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 1973 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1973 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Renault 12 | 1983 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Renault | Nissan |
| Model | 12 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 1952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
