1973 Renault 12 vs. 1990 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1990 Holden Commodore is newer by 17 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Holden Commodore (168 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Holden Commodore weights approximately 410 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 1990 Holden Commodore 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 1990 Holden Commodore. 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, 1990 Holden Commodore (292 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12. 1990 Holden Commodore 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. 1990 Holden Commodore will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Renault 12 | 1990 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Renault | Holden |
| Model | 12 | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 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 | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2740 mm |
