1973 Renault 12 vs. 1990 Renault 21
To start off, 1990 Renault 21 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 2,068 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Renault 21 (175 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Renault 21 weights approximately 445 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 Renault 21 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Renault 12. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Renault 21 will offer significantly more control. 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 Renault 21 (271 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Renault 12 | 1990 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Renault | Renault |
| Model | 12 | 21 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 2068 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 82 mm |
| Top Speed | 143 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 62 L |
