1973 Renault 12 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 34 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 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 324 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, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Renault 12 | 2007 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 12 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 143 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 55 L |
