1973 Renault 12 vs. 2009 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen T5 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 2,459 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen T5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen T5 (172 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen T5 should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 1410 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 Volkswagen T5 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 Volkswagen T5 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 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 306 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Renault 12 | 2009 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 12 | T5 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 143 km/hour | 184 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 80 L |
