1973 Renault 12 vs. 2002 Peugeot 406
To start off, 2002 Peugeot 406 is newer by 29 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Peugeot 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Peugeot 406 (134 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Peugeot 406 should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Peugeot 406 weights approximately 450 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, 2002 Peugeot 406 (191 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Peugeot 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12. 2002 Peugeot 406 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. 2002 Peugeot 406 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Renault 12 | 2002 Peugeot 406 | |
| Make | Renault | Peugeot |
| Model | 12 | 406 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 143 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 70 L |
