1973 Renault 12 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz B
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz B is newer by 37 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 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz B is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz B (108 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz B should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz B weights approximately 540 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz B (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz B will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Renault 12 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz B | |
| Make | Renault | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 12 | B |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 143 km/hour | 183 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 | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 54 L |
