1973 Renault 12 vs. 2004 Volvo V70
To start off, 2004 Volvo V70 is newer by 31 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 2,520 cc (5 cylinders), 2004 Volvo V70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volvo V70 (208 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volvo V70 should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volvo V70 weights approximately 760 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 2004 Volvo V70 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, 2004 Volvo V70 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, 2004 Volvo V70 (340 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Volvo V70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12. 2004 Volvo V70 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. 2004 Volvo V70 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Renault 12 | 2004 Volvo V70 | |
| Make | Renault | Volvo |
| Model | 12 | V70 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 2520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 80 L |
