1973 Renault 12 vs. 2009 Volvo C30
To start off, 2009 Volvo C30 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 2,520 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volvo C30 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo C30 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo C30 should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volvo C30 weights approximately 698 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, 2009 Volvo C30 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo C30 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Renault 12 | 2009 Volvo C30 | |
| Make | Renault | Volvo |
| Model | 12 | C30 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| 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 | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1598 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 60 L |
