1973 Renault 12 vs. 1998 Plymouth Neon
To start off, 1998 Plymouth Neon is newer by 25 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Plymouth Neon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Plymouth Neon (131 HP @ 5850 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Plymouth Neon should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Plymouth Neon weights approximately 210 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, 1998 Plymouth Neon (174 Nm @ 4950 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Plymouth Neon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12. 1998 Plymouth Neon 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. 1998 Plymouth Neon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Renault 12 | 1998 Plymouth Neon | |
| Make | Renault | Plymouth |
| Model | 12 | Neon |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5850 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 79 L |
