1973 Renault 12 vs. 1985 Renault 18
To start off, 1985 Renault 18 is newer by 12 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 1,395 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Renault 18 (63 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Renault 18 should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Renault 18 weights approximately 85 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1985 Renault 18 (103 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Renault 18 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Renault 12 | 1985 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Renault | Renault |
| Model | 12 | 18 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 1395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 60 L |
