1973 Renault 12 vs. 2009 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander is newer by 36 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 3,456 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 430 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 2009 Toyota Highlander 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, 2009 Toyota Highlander 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, 2009 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12. 2009 Toyota Highlander 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. 2009 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Renault 12 | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Renault | Toyota |
| Model | 12 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 3456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 73 L |
